There was a shop on a corner in West Hollywood that was different from all the others. It was the early 1970s and Los Angeles seemed more like a quiet town than a bustling metropolis. Having just relocated from New York City, who would fault me for perceiving it that way?

This shop that stood off by itself was a retail business, removed from the design area of town by a mile or two. But it impressed me from the start in that it just seemed unlike the other furniture showrooms I came to know, and the people who shopped there were so supportive and loyal that it was able to stand alone, proud and self-contained.

Design shops were ubiquitous even then, but Kreiss was, well, Kreiss, and clients sought it out in their quest for stylish, comfortable, contemporary furniture that was at once California casual and chic. Its fame spread rapidly during that time (even though the family-owned and -operated business had been established some 30 years before). Kreiss became synonymous for deep, over-stuffed sectionals that everyone loved to sink into, beds that were to die for and stone tables of all kinds.

The years rolled on and Los Angeles—along with the Kreiss name—grew at lightning speed. The entertainment and sports industries embraced them, newspapers and magazines touted their look, and it was no less than a love affair with celebrities on both coasts. This was the start of Kreiss for the 21st century, and a new high-profile location next to the world-famous Pacific Design Center was in order.

In the mid-90s, when Kreiss first came to Las Vegas, their first shop was on Sahara near Decatur (close to Circuit City). In a short time it was on to a much larger store nearby at the Sahara-Decatur Pavillion, and more recently to a beautiful state-of-the art space in Summerlin at Boca Park. Las Vegas fell to the charm and talent of the Kreiss family, and I have encountered any number of those deep, cushiony sofas and sectionals at various clients’ homes around the valley.

And one Las Vegas couple, world famous for their amazing prowess on tennis courts around the world, Andre Agassi and Stephanie Graf together went one giant step further than any client had ever gone before. They actually teamed up with the Kreiss family to create a new furniture collection. The Agassi Graf Collection is Kreiss’ only licensed line of furniture and has had its world debut here in Las Vegas in Building B of the Las Vegas Design Center at the World Market.

Andre had been a devotee of the Kreiss look for years, having bought his very first piece of furniture (a sofa) from them when he won his first Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon in 1992. Ultimately it seemed a natural progression for him and his wife—along with Kreiss president Mike Kreiss—to introduce a furniture line for the public, together as partners. “The result is,” says Mike, “a unique collection that captures the dynamic couple’s indomitable energy and spirit while remaining true to the classic Kreiss style.”

There are more than 30 pieces for the dining room, living room and pool area. The upholstery is suitable for indoor or outdoor use making it not only extremely attractive but highly functional as well. The color palette is masculine, shown in brown and ecru, but is nonetheless contemporary and warm.

Andre himself has aptly described the collection as “comfortable and subtly elegant, something luxurious but not opulent” and points out that “Steffi likes streamline design, symmetry, and more specifically, modular square design.” To help achieve this degree of sophistication and artistry, the collection is characterized by a combination of clean, elegant lines and designer materials such as woven Italian leather, limestone, and beautiful walnut used in combination with cotton upholstery, steel, and even synthetic rattan.

But aside from debuting the Agassi Graf Collection, the showroom at Las Vegas Design Center is unique for another important reason. It is officially Kreiss’ first trade-only showroom and the first time in Kreiss’ 68-year history that the company will permit a limited number of retailers to offer Kreiss furnishings in their own stores. This expanded presence in retail establishments other than their own (of which there are 20 in various cities across the country) is being called “the gallery program” and the World Market Center showroom has been set up as a prototype gallery.

Here, architects, interior designers and collectors can find the classic “Kreiss look” and sensibility in collections both old and new: “Panama” with its hardwood frames covered in crushed bamboo, topped with natural stone and accented with polished nickel; “Renaissance” featuring rich carved wood, old-world fabrics and hand-forged iron, and given an updated “now” look; the “Libra Collection” with its sleek modern lines that make a bold design statement in its use of cream linen, dark hardwoods, wrought iron and solid stone.

The “Gatsby” combines exotic materials such as rosewood, mahogany, parchment leather and shagreen, wherein each piece seems to be Art Deco-inspired and still contemporary at the same time. And finally the “Shangri-La,” appropriately named for its dramatic combination of textures and colors and its eye-catching use of natural materials such as rattan, leather and stone that help to create its exotic appeal, bringing nature’s beauty indoors.

This new Kreiss showroom is a treat for any longtime client or for anyone curious to see how the “Kreiss look” has evolved. It’s still the Kriess brand all the way: “a blending of timeless grace, understated quality, traditional elegance and casual comfort.” Only now, for the first time, all the elements that have gone into making Kreiss a phenomenon in the retail furniture world—its total package of custom handmade furniture, unique accessories, fabrics and fine linens—are all available to Las Vegas designers as well as new retail partners everywhere.

The Kreiss Showroom is located in the Barcelone Center at 8751 West Charleston Blvd. (702) 871-9060