Textile Swatches

Exhibit: CHANEL Mobile Art

                 

After it's stops in Hong Kong and Tokyo this mobile exhibit arrives in NYC, Rumsey Playfield at 70th street in Central Park. October 20- November 9, 2008.

Chanel commissioned London architect, Zaha Hadid, to create the traveling exhibit structure to house works by about 15 contemporary, international artists. Each was asked to create a work that was atleast in part inspired by the identity of the classic Chanel quilted-style chain handbag.

A traveling exhibit, with admission free to all, will circulate around the world for two years.

Admission is free, although visitors are advised to book timed tickets at Chanel Mobile Art.

Next stops... London... Moscow... Paris.

Suzanis

Suzanis have been a trend in Home textiles for at least the last year. They've gained in popularity and there's been a remarkable revival of this traditional art form... I think they are here to stay! Like the paisley, I think Suzanis have become a category of textile that remain of interest to us.

So what is a Suzani?

 

'Suzani' is the Persian or Farsi word for needle and connotes needlework. It is synonymous with the glorious embroideries of Uzbekistan, in Central Asia and refers to textile panels embroidered with silk thread. The suzani was an integral part of a woman's artistic expression. Traditionally, as soon as a girl was born her mother would start embroidering the suzani for her. As the daughter grew older, she would join in the process. The suzani would eventually become a part of her dowry and be used to decorate her home.

If you have an interest to purchase antique or reproduction suzani pieces, check out Tessera

Some contemporary fabrics inspired by suzanis can be seen in the collection of Schumacher. 

As in the Konya Suzani

And Usak weave

Anthropologie too has bedding inspired by suzanis. The Kapali bedding set-

   

And ABC Carpet and Home in New York city is a great resource too