Velvet was the driving economic force for the growth of Empires through antiquity. It is an enduring textile that has utility and allure.
My favorite chair of all time was covered by angora mohair, had chrome arms curve into highly lacquered plywood. The composition was the perfect juxtaposition of old and new.
Today we celebrate soft, plush velvet.
http://www.draperyrow.com/
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I need it... yesterday.
With a trade show just days away, one Drapery Row client needed to correct a major workroom snafu and needed several yards of Barrow's interlocking vine woven, Darlington Topaz. An anxious voice hurriedly proclaimed, "I need it... yesterday."
I have to admit, I wasn't so sure that I could get it done- even though I have performed miracles in the past. It was early Friday afternoon- the fabric had to arrive in a rural town in the midst of the Missouri Ozarks by Saturday. As of 2:30 pm we didn't even have the yardage figure sorted- and I was swapping analyzing heavily rasterized .jpegs to make sure that we had the right pattern and colorway.
Luckily, my hunch was correct, and I was able to confirm that we had the right piece and the client locked in her yardage. The UPS truck pulled in just as the final strip of tape made its way around the top of the package.
Just another day at the office.
Darlington Topaz by Barrow
I have to admit, I wasn't so sure that I could get it done- even though I have performed miracles in the past. It was early Friday afternoon- the fabric had to arrive in a rural town in the midst of the Missouri Ozarks by Saturday. As of 2:30 pm we didn't even have the yardage figure sorted- and I was swapping analyzing heavily rasterized .jpegs to make sure that we had the right pattern and colorway.
Luckily, my hunch was correct, and I was able to confirm that we had the right piece and the client locked in her yardage. The UPS truck pulled in just as the final strip of tape made its way around the top of the package.
Just another day at the office.
Darlington Topaz by Barrow
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Quick Look at Clodagh's Collection for Duralee
I'll write more extensively about this collection in a few days, but I wanted to take a moment to give me initial reaction to Clodagh's woven collection for Duralee.
I like the fact that Duralee seems to be defining itself as a brand that not only takes risks- but is also willing to focus on design over what had been their bread and butter in the past. This is a path that is fraught with peril and I'm sure they don't want to repeat Fabricut's adventure with Isaac Mizrahi.
What I first notice about the Clodagh fabrics is that they have seemingly built in imperfections and are purposefully askew. This hand-drawn organic goodness fills my head with ideas about decorative pillows and wingback chairs reborn- not redone.
And that in a nutshell is where I come down on this collection. Smartly, these are fabrics that don't reinvent the wheel- they handcraft the something that resembles the wheel- sturdy, steady, and wooden.
The design world is chock full of copy cats and imitations, poseurs and wannabes. It is refreshing to see organic or eco-friendly fabrics that actually look like something you'd see on earth. The well traveled Clodagh seems like the perfect ambassador for Duralee in this respect.
I like the fact that Duralee seems to be defining itself as a brand that not only takes risks- but is also willing to focus on design over what had been their bread and butter in the past. This is a path that is fraught with peril and I'm sure they don't want to repeat Fabricut's adventure with Isaac Mizrahi.
What I first notice about the Clodagh fabrics is that they have seemingly built in imperfections and are purposefully askew. This hand-drawn organic goodness fills my head with ideas about decorative pillows and wingback chairs reborn- not redone.
And that in a nutshell is where I come down on this collection. Smartly, these are fabrics that don't reinvent the wheel- they handcraft the something that resembles the wheel- sturdy, steady, and wooden.
The design world is chock full of copy cats and imitations, poseurs and wannabes. It is refreshing to see organic or eco-friendly fabrics that actually look like something you'd see on earth. The well traveled Clodagh seems like the perfect ambassador for Duralee in this respect.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Best Selling Threads @ Draperyrow.com / March 2010
We are on a fabric journey together. I research every brand's collection in order to find the most compelling fabrics on the market.
Let's take a look at March's most popular selections:
Chain Link is a luxurious silk from Highland Court. The pattern is made up of large ringlets on a faile textured silk cloth. The aqua and gold colorway is classic understated elegance- perfect for drapery or accents. New colorways will be posted in April!
Chain Link Aqua/ Gold by Highland Court
Suede is as popular as ever, and there is no suede on the market that matches the quality and desirability of the original micro-suede, Toray's Ultrasuede. Made in Japan, this high quality fabric is the choice of designers and architects. Lasting more than five times longer than most generic suede fabrics on the market, Toray's Ultrasuede is a great investment that pays off year after year.
Ultrasuede by Toray
Our own Nairobi Zebra Chenille received quite a bit of interest. This luxury fabric is an elegant chenille with a delightfully organic composition. Quite unique, Nairobi Zebra Chenille is featured in drapery ROW's Africaine Collection.
Nairobi Zebra Chenille Ruby by drapery ROW
Let's take a look at March's most popular selections:
1. Chain Link (800197H-594)
Chain Link is a luxurious silk from Highland Court. The pattern is made up of large ringlets on a faile textured silk cloth. The aqua and gold colorway is classic understated elegance- perfect for drapery or accents. New colorways will be posted in April!
Chain Link Aqua/ Gold by Highland Court
2. Ultrasuede (many colors)
Suede is as popular as ever, and there is no suede on the market that matches the quality and desirability of the original micro-suede, Toray's Ultrasuede. Made in Japan, this high quality fabric is the choice of designers and architects. Lasting more than five times longer than most generic suede fabrics on the market, Toray's Ultrasuede is a great investment that pays off year after year.
Ultrasuede by Toray
3. Nairobi Zebra Chenille Ruby by drapery ROW
Our own Nairobi Zebra Chenille received quite a bit of interest. This luxury fabric is an elegant chenille with a delightfully organic composition. Quite unique, Nairobi Zebra Chenille is featured in drapery ROW's Africaine Collection.
Nairobi Zebra Chenille Ruby by drapery ROW
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