Chelsea Linen Camelia by Travers & Company

Chelsea Linen Camelia by Travers & Company

Chatwell Lilies by Travers & Company

Chartwell Lilies Sun by Travers & Company

Bellcrest Silk Crewel JUST ARRIVED

Bellcrest Crewel Antique by Travers & Company

Just got back from ITMA Showtime with some thoughts

Hi everybody! I just got back from ITMA Showtime, once the most important fabric show in the US (now I'm not so sure).

This logo has seen better days.

Ever since I began my career in the textile industry, ITMA's Showtime, which takes place twice a year in High Point, North Carolina, has been at the forefront of the American furniture and fabric industry. In the 1990s there was a waiting list a mile long that you had to wait through to even get a booth- nowadays, show management has cordoned off segments of the temporary booth wing of the exhibition hall to make things look less empty. 

Still, I find it quite ironic that an American industry that is quickly receding into obsolescence that would allow so much of the showroom floor to be taken up by massage parlors, fast food joints, and an enormous display of post-modern industrial decay. If this was not the sad state of affairs outside of the showroom walls, it would not strike me so hard.

The decline of the textile industry has gone on for years. Many of the companies that set up around me at my first show are either long gone, or no longer show. Those that were there have four days to contemplate the state of the industry by studying the mostly empty exhibition hall. I also noticed lots of new faces at even the most established companies. It seems that in economies such as this- companies are willing to try anything- and the inexperienced have yet to fully realize the enormity of the task that lies ahead.

One vendor, who I have dealt with for many years, wanted me to buy a bundle of samples that he had put together featuring 100 of his best patterns. He was desperate, and I declined. The old way of doing business is dead. I didn't have the heart to take samples that I didn't think would sell. Even from an old friend.

But its not all doom and gloom. I met with my great friend Howard and we wheeled through his warehouse where I picked up quite a few beautiful Travers and Schumacher patterns for a great price. We then talked about hits and misses on patterns he had created through the years and it felt great. You see, if the creative process remains intact, the industry will bounce back. Imagination, inventiveness, and innovation cannot be faked. They are not marketing hype or inspirational buzz words. 

The creator controls the world he creates. It's time for America to wake up and realize its true potential. It's time to dream again of doing great things, making great works... the next great textile movement lies within us.

New Design Finds!

Just a quick heads up, I'm taking photos today of a batch of new designer fabrics from Travers & Company (and one beautiful print from Schumacher).

The Travers pieces are spectacular- a mythical toile remnant, stried cotton taffeta is red and blue, pastel silk stripe taffeta, raw silk with silk embroidery, and a printed damask to die for.

The Schumacher piece is the famous Terracina Arabesque in the Celestial color way.

Look for these pieces later today.

Travers Wallpapers Now 30% Off!

Drapery Row has dropped the price of all Travers & Company wallpapers (while supplies last). Travers papers are superior in style and print quality than any papers you will find at major big box retailers.Many of these designs are hand printed by Dek Tillet, exactingly reproducing original 18th century prints from fine English manor homes.


http://www.draperyrow.com/

Duralee's Istanbul Exclusive Prints Collection Review

Launched in July 2009, Duralee's almost entirely exclusive Istanbul Exclusive Prints Collection brings together elements from practically all of the Hellenistic cultures into one cohesive and colorful story. The tableau that Duralee paints is one of rich, fully contrasted natural colors, one immediately thinks of hand dyed Persian and Afghan rugs.

While this collection is mostly comprised of slubbed cotton, or mostly cotton blends, thereare two standouts: the decidedly decadent cotton sateen Anana (one can imagine throw pillows, table runners, and elegant draperies) and the 100% linen, Ada. 

By far the most interesting designs are the collection's signature pattern, Bardo (comes in two colors: Multi and Autumn) and the vivacious paisley print, Corbet (Porcelain is my favorite, but all are versatile and useable).

I would have liked to see some black and white or black and silver versions of these designs as they really would carry over, especially Anana, Corbet, and Bardo... but you can understand this omision in light of Duralee's very intellegent color story. 

While these types of pattern can veer into decidedly ethnic territories, the scale and restrain Duralee used in terms of color and fabric composition make this an excited modern 21st century print collection that is both fashionable and suitable for everyday living.

www.draperyrow.com