Textile Swatches

Thoughts of Japan

Hearing the sad news and watching the horrific images of the natural disaster in Japan, helps put life into perspective. Our everyday grievances are so unimportant in the bigger picture..

My heart goes out to the people affected by this tragedy. I reminisce the wonderful times I spent in Japan in the mid-90s, enjoying the caring hospitality of my hosts and friends at NUNO Corporation. I had the fortunate opportunity of working with NUNO. It gave me my foundation in textiles and sent me down   the wonderful journey of textile explorations.

I came across this wonderful interview with one of NUNO's founders- Junichi Arai- a living textile legend! Open the link to check out the video.

 

Riedizioni: Luisa Cevese

One of my favorite possessions are bags made by Milan- based, Luisa Cevese- produced using textile waste from industrial textile production. When Ms. Cevese worked as research director for a silk mill in Como, Italy, she was shocked by the quantity of waste generated. Through her company 'Riedizioni', founded in 1994, she collects these scraps, arranges them by hand in a flat composition and encases them in plastic sheets to create a composite material that is durable and visually intriguing. This 'fabric' is then made into accessory products including- bags, placemats, floormats, etc. These can be purchased through the MoMa design store and select retailers and online stores.

She also did a collection of textiles called 'Ply' for textile company Maharam. It features interlocking yarns (jute, chenile & tweed) encased between layers of polyurethane.

ALETA artisan fabrics for Interior Design

Aleta Bartel-Orton, a Canadian living in London, founded her fabric company Aleta in 2003. She is best known for specializing in fabrics inspired by the decorative arts of 17th century Mughal India, from the finest reproductions of ancient textiles to contemporary reinterpretations of classic motifs. The 'Aleta' line consists of 100% natural fiber fabrics- cottons and linens and is manufactured in England. 

                        

                                                

In addition she distributes the renowned block printed floral textiles of Brigitte Singh and she has a specialty paint collection with bespoke paint company- Francesca's Paint. The colors coordinate with Aleta's fabric collection. Colors such as Mughal Spring, Indian Summer and Monsoon Rains.

  

In the Showrooms: Thomas Paul for Duralee

                                              

Thomas Paul is known for his bold colors, iconic patterns and signature style. He began his career in the design world in the fashion business and has developed neckwear collections for designer names including: Calvin Klein, DKNY and Oscar de la Renta. Eventually this led to a creation of his own neckwear collection, and then to the thomaspaul pillow collection. Since 2001 the brand has grown into other categories, including tabletop, rugs, stationary, lighting, bags and wall art.

His bright graphic patterns can now be bought by the yard in his first fabric collection for Duralee.

  

 

Lulan Artisans

Lulan Artisans, founded in 2004 by Eve Blossom fuses contemporary design with centuries-old South East Asian textile techniques and traditions. The exceptional crafts and distinctive cultures of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and India, are reinterpreted in a unique collaboration between American designers and gifted Asian artisans. Lulan designs and produces high quality handwoven, hand dyed natural textiles used as upholstery drapery, pillows, etc. The company follows sustainable business practices and their philosophy is reflected in the craftsmanship, and the natural materials and process found in their textiles.

I had the pleasure of seeing the gorgeous product in person at ICFF 2008 and of meeting Eve.

Her dedication and commitment to her cause is commendable.

Designer Profile: Hella Jongerius

Hella Jongerius is a multi disciplinary product designer. Her products are created giving not only thought to form, but also history, tradition and contemporary inspiration. Her work deliberately shows the traces of how they were made, embracing imperfections and unusual mixtures of materials and techniques. She calls her approach 'form follows feeling'. Her work combines craft with industry. which is a strong focus in my work and that's why I admire her groundbreaking efforts. 

She started her Rotterdam-based company 'JongeriusLab' in 2000. They create products including ceramics, textiles, tableware and furniture. Her clients include: Manufaktur Nymphenburg, Vitra, Ikea, Maharam, etc

Two of my all time favorites of her products are-

Repeat big bowl with green embroidery- produced in 2002 for the store Moss in New York. Porcelain with embroidery. Produced in a limited edition of 7 pieces.

From her Layers collection for fabric company, Maharam.

Is Layers Park Double

The process  involves machine embroidering 2 layers of wool felt with the pattern and then using lasers to cut 'windows' in certain parts of the top layers to reveal the lower layer of felt.

Below is Layers Vineyard

 

Check the link for a video of Hella describing the process of producing the Layers collection.