Category: Textiles

This Week’s Featured Products

The Girls of Summer: Greg Lotus, Swimmer Cap, 2007,
Robin Rice Gallery: Now through September 15, 2013
Swimmer Cap by Greg Lotus emphasizes viewer eye movement through the use of hyper-realistic colors in vibrant swim head wear. A beautifully composed image that is influenced by fashion photography plays with a melodrama belied by the bright, animated color. Three young women pose in a retro gym, two of them distant and one up close captivating the viewer with intense regard that dares you to look further.

Dining Options: Dining table in jacaranda with blue under painted glass top. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil, 1960s. Set of six “Cantu” chairs in jacaranda with tan leather seats. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Brazil, circa 1959.

Making a Statement: Flock Star Stripe black and white wall paper from Graham & Brown. Inspired by the ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ Georgian poets who broke hearts with their rock ‘n’ roll Gothic poetry, read out in Regency striped salons to an audience of impressionable, swooning young women.
Graham & Brown’s newest wallpaper collection, Casa Nova, an exclusive range of opulent wall coverings by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Casa Nova is a deeply felt homage to the sensuality of hte decadent aesthetic behind some of history’s most luxurious designs.

Home Graphics: KnollTextiles, Summer of 2013 first collection of interior fabrics
designed by Alejandro Cardenas
Characterized by its lively colors and graphic, modern imagery, the collection consists of theree upholstery designs: Soon, Glider and Biscayne. The textile papperns have diverse influences; Soon was inspired by a song of hte same name by one of Cardenas’ favorite bands, Glider’s repeating lines and shapes represent the feeling of gliding over a landscape, and Biscayne is named after Key Biscayne in Florida.
Blue Magic: Simon Miller‘s limited run of indigo dyed beach blankets available at
The Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY. 
The indigo dyed, block printed beach blanket is made using hand-cut blocks that reference classic surf motifs. The plant-based indigo dyeing was done through Noon Studio using hand crafted and artisanal methods. The blanket will be available in the Surf Lodge shop, on their website (the-surf-lodge.myshopify.com) and in guest rooms through the end of September.

Note: Photographs above the bed are by Max Snow, Photo courtesy Billy Farrell Agency
Simon Furniture Design Credenza
“What Light There Was” Collection, New England 2013, is inspired by two years that Simon Lowe have spent in Providence RI. Having arrived from the Caribbean, Simon realised that light and space are precious wherever there is a long winter. He designed and made three tables, a chair and a door which celebrate light, air, movement, gesture and the space between things. Each was crafted from locally sourced, sustainable materials, with the use of an innovative combination of the most modern computer assisted fabrication and exceptional hand skills.

Nature’s Choice: Bamboo wall clock designed by J.P.Meulendijk
This big bamboo wall clock will catch your eye by changing shape when you walk around it. When you stand in front of the clock: the numbers are clear and visible. When you walk around it: numbers slowly dissolve, and seem to fall apart in little floating white balls. This optical illusion results in a striking and intriguing piece of wall-art. Inspired by “MOTION CAPTURE” technique used in movies such as “Lord of the rings” + “Avatar” click here to watch clock-movie

Decorating with bright and exuberant fabrics

Long, dark and cold winter days call for more cheerful colors, don’t you agree? Almost all interior designers will tell you that nothing brings your home decor more up to speed than incorporating new fabrics into your space. Although I’m more drawn to muted palettes when it comes to interiors, I’ve never been known to shy away from applying fresh and colorful outdoor fabrics inside the home.

So imagine my delight when I came across a refreshing line of textile from Link Outdoor, as well as some exciting pillows (most of them art nouveau, no less), panels and window treatments from Wende Cragg, an appliqué artist who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. I find her collections appealing because of their obvious fine craftsmanship and incredible details. Wende has been weaving her “magic” in the design industry for the past 45 years and along the way, collaborated with a number of designers and home mavens throughout the States, some of them included designer Heather Hilliard on a custom appliqued bench for the San Francisco Show house. She also contributed to past show houses in Pasadena, Marin County and San Francisco, where she resides. There’s a wonderful synergy between the historical reference she creates, and the colorful and sometimes neon outdoor fabrics from Link Outdoor. And even if they came in separate projects, both styles call for a well appointed home.

San Francisco Decorators Showcase (Angela Free Design)
Consuelo
LINK OUTDOOR TEXTILES


Link outdoor textiles


Pasadena Showcase Lady’s Study

Applique Artistry

Proenza Schouler – When Fashion meets Design

Proenza Schouler textile collection for Knoll Luxe
Being that we’re at the very end of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I thought I’d pause a bit from all the fashion coverage, and re-introduce a subjet which I deal with on a daily basis – design. The dynamic fashion duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, of Proenza Schouler have teamed up with the iconic design company Knoll, in order to produce some of the most fashion forward fabrics for any home decor.

By the way, Proenza Schouler will launch their Fall 2013 collection today at  8PM EST. Be sure to visit their official website later in order to watch the video. As I mentioned previously, Knoll has been working with Proenza Schouler for over a year to translate runway fabrics into those that will meet the rigorous requirements of interior use. All are based on existing fabrics as seen on the runway and have a palette distinctly driven by Proenza Schouler that includes clean neutrals with punches of rich, dramatic colors such as royal purple and deep berry. The overall result is highly innovative line that you can introduce to your home by hiring an interior designer to make it happen. What could be more simple?
Proenza Schouler Spring 2013 Collection
Sandis Inspiration

Fashion forward:Proenza Schouler’s leather and wood shoe
Far right:The 2013 Spring Collection from Proenza Schouler
photo via Vogue
Worth
Canaan
photo via Vogue
Walker
Worth Inspiration
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Proenza Schouler

Decorate your Home with some of The World’s Finest Linen

Feux de bangale by Patricia J. Kha
From Paris with Love
It’s often said that the devil is in the details. And looking at the embroidery of Patricia J. Kha, an experienced artist who follows a very tight and precise technical descriptions with accuracy and skillfulness, I tend to agree. Last month, I was given a private viewing of her collection, since I was linen shopping for a client’s guest bedroom. After seeing a single pillow case, I was struck by the way the design resembled a true work of art. The needle point was so fine, so detailed, that the motif bore a strong resemblance to a hand block fabric, but au contraire, it was hand made with love.


Patricia Kha’s work showed the necessary diligence required to execute the delicate work that is essential in haute couture. I was so pleased to have been introduced to her work, and she quickly became my go to source for rare and fine linen. To view more of her work, including her monogram pillows, visit: www.architecturalwatercolors.com/alphabet.html. Her fine line of home hand-embroidered linen is sold exclusively in the United States through Patricia Mentor: patriciajkhausa@gmail.com Tel: 917-664-1098.

Patricia J. Kha
“An Architectural Alphabet is an exhibition and book project from Patricia Kha which comprises 26 small-format watercolors incorporating the letters of the alphabet in architectural or garden-themed vignettes. Taking their inspiration from Ancien Régime France and the Grand Tour, the watercolors evoke the playfulness and exoticism that inspired the architects and garden designers of the period.”

Des jours et des nuits 
Custom sizes and colors available

Trends from the NYIGF: Natural Fibers, Geometric Patterns and Raw Wood

Rope Study: in Natural and White from Natural Curiosity
The Year of Pretty
The NYIGF ended earlier today in a most positive note. And that isn’t necessarily because the fair was set aside as being particularly exciting, but rather it was because the materials on display were aesthetically pleasing and comfortably safe to unwind with. Natural fibers such as abaca, wool, hemp, jute, and sisal were seen as strong trends throughout the show. At one point, I saw so much jute, I thought I was transported to a street fair at The Philippines.
On Monday afternoon, I ran into interior designer, and former contributing editor at Elle Decor, Elaine Griffin, while I was at Pier 94. Elaine shared with me some of the trends that she noticed from this closely watched gift fair. “Most of the trends that we saw today were launched last year, and so this year, they’re playing catch up. These are not necessarily new.” So I had to ask, what’s new?

“We’re seeing raw wood, and geometric patterns everywhere. Mind you, this trend was already launched last year, but it is now expending into fabrics, rugs, and furniture. Colors such as yellow, green are just exploding! I think that green is still a very popular, and important color. Overall, what we’re seeing is a lot of pretty at this fair. This is the year of pretty because in a time of economic uncertainty, people want pretty. The vendors want something that is going to sell, and pretty is safe.”


From the 2013 summer collection – A chic and colorful clutch from Mary y Sol.
All of their products are handmade in Madagascar
Home and fashion designs Flora Bella
Graphic patterns such as these were seen everywhere at the show, from hand towels, boxes, furniture, to even water bottles

The Condotti collection from Dransfield & Ross can deliver a dreamy, fairytale-like atmosphere to any bedrooms. This princess duvet was too splendid for words. The blue ribbons threaded with the linen fabric made it just that more special
A few of my favorite things from Hancock baskets
Vintage warmth: Peggy Fisher’s bag from Hancok Baskets
A natural choice: Perfect little summer clutch from the folks at Mar y Sol
Bringing the outdoors in. A strong theme at the NYIGF
This simple graphic brought a nostalgic feeling to a plain, otherwise unmemorable  bag. The splash of red did add to its appeal – to be sure


Rope me in: These natural and aesthetically pleasing accessories are great for some home decoration – on a budget
Pleasure meeting Fabrice Philippe, of Teo Jasmin.  Fabrice is a famous French designer to the stars. His various fun and trendy bags are household names among celebrities like Paris Hilton, and Brad Pitt. Also, think of gift bags at The Oscars, and the Bafta awards. The popular bags depict various English bulldogs in stylish attire, which are quickly making wave in the US market




Unique, natural furniture and lighting accessories from the Design Group


Graphic designs, from furniture to table trays were seen just about everywhere at the fair
Rani Arabella
Images courtesy High End Weekly

Luxury Fabrics for Daily Comfort

Upholsery fabrics from Dedar. Couvertures et Tenues De Jour: Printed on cotton velvet using twenty four flat screens, the design shows elegantly bedecked horses parading at the racecourse. An adaptation of the omonimous Hermès scarf.

The Hermes Collection from Dedar

The 2011 debut of the Hermes collection from Dedar was very well-received and seemed to have produced some wonderful results for both parties. As Maison & Objet is kicking off today in Paris, I’m very interested in finding out what’s new for the Italian textile house in 2013 (look for the latest pictures from the fair on our Facebook and Instagram sites in the next few days). I sincerely hope you get inspired to decorate and refresh your interiors by choosing these gorgeous and wondrous textile patterns for your homes.


FABRICS & WALLPAPER

Op’H: This design from the Hermès archives, composed of vertically stacked Hs, has been a great inspiration to the house since the 1950s
Bibliotheque: Screen printed in 140cm wide, the design evokes Emile Hermès collection of equestrian books
Les Sangles: Girths, buckles and straps necessary for keeping horses blankets in place during horse races are here interpreted in a monochrome mix of black, grey and white, or in citrus colors
Equateur Impression Chaine: An iconic design by Robert Dallet created in 1988 subtly reproduced using the technique of warp printing
Right: As shown in an interior: Bibliotheque
Circuit: A contemporary interpretation of the iconic pattern Chaine d’Ancre.
The striated rings evoke motor racing tracks
Feuillage Imprime’: Taken from an original gouache by Raoul Dufy, these large palm
leaves intertwine on an abaca canvas
Fil D’Argent: The design composed of interlaced rings is inspired by the metalwork
used for horses harnesses
Herringbone: The herringbone design with a raised motif pays homage to the traditional fabric associated with the equestrian world of Hermès
Dedar’s Paris Showroom

OTHER FAVORITES from DEDAR
FALL 2012 COLLECTION

Ziggy: A small geometric pattern on a satin ground. An elegant contrast is created between the smooth ground and the linen relief yarn. Precious, versatile and hard-wearing also for upholstery.
Why from Dedar – A bold and glamorous pattern that is a motif of Japanese inspiration, updated by the chromatic contrast between its satin stitch embroidery and a satin ground. Soft and full-handed when used for drapes, but hard-wearing in upholstery applications.

Dream for the Sky

Peter Wilderotter, and Dorothy Cosonas
SO LUXE!
“This project is personal. My 24 year old daughter became paralyzed suddenly from a rare auto immune disease,” says Dorothy Cosonas. “The Reeve Foundation is a place that creates hope — like birds, that hope can rise to the sky.”
The veteran brand, Knoll Luxe Textile, recently collaborated with Savoir Beds in order to benefit the Christopher Reeve Foundation. My friend C. Jean and I went to the event last week, and we were both impressed with what we saw. The event was spearheaded by Dorothy Cosonas from Luxe Textile; and the bed in question: Dream for the Sky is made of 100% linen with design elements in viscose and an accent of Swarovski crystals – the aesthetics were simply très jolie.


Savoir Beds is currently offering these custom designed headboards in five of my favorite patterns from Knoll: Arabella, Sandis, Mepal, Gates, and Garden City. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury. Additionally, for one year, a percentage of the proceeds for the sale of the selected Savoir beds that are upholstered with the above-mentioned fabrics from Knoll Luxe, will also go to the Foundation.

Custom Savoir Bed upholstered with a Knoll Luxe Linen Fabric
The ‘Dream for the Sky‘ bed is being auctioned by CharityBuzz.com for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation 100% of the proceeds will go towards the foundation

Photo credit: Knoll Textiles


CAPPELLINI

That same evening, a few blocks down, in the same artsy neighborhood of Soho, the folks at Cappellini were celebrating a project which involved a couple of cool designers from Amsterdam…


Social-Unit: The plastic bed is made from consumer waste plastic in Amsterdam’s sheltered workshops
 The evening was fueled with some pretty acrobatic entertainment
 The Social-Unit Team and Designers (Far left: Wouter and Corinne – far right)
Checking out the goods: Left: Yours truly. Right: Christ Jean-Palling

Photo courtesy Social-Unit
The Social-Unit is a luxurious residential bed, complete with ample storage, a vanity table, a desk and electrical outlets and lighting. It is specifically crafted to create a cozy ‘sheltered island’ space, in the middle of a large open plan living area. This sustainable bed is from a project that was part of a larger initiative – One Hundred Days – an international art competition launched by Contaminate NYC back in 2011. Contaminate is a social and cultural platform for art immerse experiences and – given its social entrepreneurial roots – decided to challenge artists to produce projects combining art and sustainability issues. Wouter and Corinne’s Social-Unit is the third and final show of the series dedicated to the winners of One Hundred Days. The Social Unit is available at t the Cappellini Showroom in Soho.

Take a splendid trip to Venice!

Rubelli Scenes from the Opera

Are you ready for another book giveaway?


I know we recently had one, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity again. This time around, the book in question is from one of my personal favorite showroom at the D&D Building.





The generous, and spirited folks at Donghia are pleased to present you with a copy of their latest book, Rubelli, a story of Silk in Venice.
Rubelli Fifth and Sixth Generation
How do you win this magnificent book that is fast becoming a “must have” 
in every design enthusiast’s library?  Simple. 
Follow Us at:

The winner will get to pick up the book from the New York Donghia Showroom.
And we’ll make our announcement on
Friday, October 19th.

Ciao!

The Weekender: The Rubelli Story Lives On
On September 19th, 2012, Margaret Russell, Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest, Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli, CEO of Rubelli, and Andrea Favaretto Rubelli, CEO of Donghia, came together at the New York Showroom of Donghia to celebrate the brand new book, Rubelli: A Story of Silk in Venice. The book chronicled the rise of the Rubelli family and the company’s extraordinary textiles.

Pictured: Matthew White, Giulio Capua, Vice President & Publisher, Margaret Russell, Andrea Favaretto, Rubelli and Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli

A portion of the evening’s book sales will benefit Save Venice Inc. More photos of the celebration can be found on our Facebook Page.


Margaret Russell with Chuck Chewning, Donghia Creative Director 

Andrea Favaretto Rubelli, Donghia CEO, Margaret Russell, Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli, Rubelli CEO 

Andrea Favaretto Rubelli, Carolyn Reed, VP Residential Sales, Donghia, Margaret Russell, Chuck Chewning and Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli 
Matthew White, Chairman, Save Venice with Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli
Photos courtesy Jude Domski

The Textile Issue

Am I Blue?


REVISED: Working with sumptuous fabrics, like this one from Armani Casa, can certainly elevate your mood, and surroundings. Take this latest textile from Fargo for example. Fargo is based on their much-loved Cleveland material, and it is a decorative geometrical design that distinguishes it from Cleveland. The pattern surfaces vary and form a larger damask pattern on the fabric. Donghia‘s fall collections have something for everyone who desire a chic, comfortable and sophisticated interior. The Urban Safari line is from Sahco. This collection features some of my favorite imitation furs, velvets, and other intricate weaves that are inspired by nature and its natural habitat. What other textiles do I like to work with? Find out here.

Fayette from Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli

Left: Fargo, a fabric based on Cleveland (pictured right). All three fabrics are from Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli and Sahco.

Indigo Collection
(J. Robert Scott)
Indigo is a refined selection of luxury textiles designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis. Sally has designed this collection featuring 100% silks, woolens, and JRS Superskidskin in the deep inky “mood” of the Indigo colorway offering versatility in any interiors.
From left to right: Woven Radiance, Edwardian Floral, Wool Dot, Bengaline, all in the Indigo Colorway. Watch the Duke Ellington/ INDIGO video from J. Robert Scott on YouTube.  

Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks: Top Image: Mineral in Indigo/Slat. Bottom: Mala in Lake, Agate in Slate/Linen, Sonoma in Cornflower, Barcelo in Taupe, Oblique in Slate/Graphite, Channels in Periwinkle/Oat, Sunbleached in Linen, Sunbleached in Graphite. Bottom: Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks: Top Image: Mineral in Indigo/Slat. Bottom: Mala in Lake, Agate in Slate/Linen, Sonoma in Cornflower, Barcelo in Taupe, Oblique in Slate/Graphite, Channels in Periwinkle/Oat, Sunbleached in Linen, Sunbleached in Graphite. Bottom: Mineral in Indigo/Slate.