ROCKET LAUNCH22/3/2017
Neisha Crosland inhabits planet pattern and her new textile is other-worldly. Imagine giant flying geometric rocket-like motifs, hand-stitched with glistening metal copper thread, raffia and appliqued velvet.
This Rocket jettisons about on a Hessian cloth. A theatrical looking embroidered sack cloth, full of vigour and dynamism. ‘The design inspiration is a collision of Ottoman crescent roundel textile motifs from the second half of the 16th Century and the early 20th century Russian Avant Garde constructivist and suprematist art of Malevich, Popova and Tatlin - together with a Leon Bakst costume for La Peri 1912. The technique is inspired by an Egyptian cushion that I found in a local antique shop. Whilst embroidered on a rough farmer’s sackcloth, the glisten of the metal thread and raffia turns it into a rich and regal fabric, making Rocket a ‘noble’ embellishment of a poor man’s cloth.’ Neisha Crosland At a recent talk about her epic book Life of a Pattern at the Fashion & Textile Museum she described how as she came eyeball to eyeball with 15th and 16th century fabrics in the Ottoman Empire Textile gallery at the V&A and recounts just how utterly modern and bold they looked. She describes this as ‘my moment’ and her calling to study textiles and to explore the endless possibilities of a pattern. As well as lavish curtains, Rocket can be hung like a kilim or tapestry against a wall, or even framed as artwork as Neisha has done in her own home. Available in one colourway - natural jute with coral colour velvet and copper/golden colour thread. Available from Turnell and Gigon www.turnellandgigon.com Browse Neisha Crosland collection here FOR THE LOVE OF LINEN10/3/2017
Bernie de Le Cuona travels the world working with the finest artisans, tracking down the best spinners and seeking specialist mills to create her exquisite yet innovative linen.
She explores combinations of linen, silk, wool, velvet and cashmere, always mixing the rough with the smooth. Her latest collection called Refined Rogue is all about textural contrast, taking classic linen and giving it a twist, and in doing so elevating what we expect from this flax plant. ‘Refined Rogue is a very pure but intricate combination of the finest natural fibres which are hand spun and carefully twisted together. By bringing together specialists we are reinventing linen in our industry.' Bernie de Le Cuona. This is a fabric family where each design has an unexpected texture. Linen is stonewashed for a gutsy feel, twisted with wool to create fleecy herringbones or flecked with colours for dashing tweeds. Velvet has a deep matte surface and the collection is finished with the softest woollen and linen sheer. Colour takes a cue from nature with directional accents of saffron, teal and dates. The weaves feel precious yet lived-in. Each design has a unique tactility. Rogue is a mischievous melange of robust linen and fine wool shot through with heathery shades while Berlin is an avant-garde herringbone in twisted wool and linen for a fleecy feel. Kasbah inspired by Moroccan luxury gleams with bold colour. Each roll of linen is hand dyed in a pot reusing an ancient technique and washed with pumice stones. Working with master craftsmen, de Le Cuona explores techniques that bring the designs to life and gives them an iconic ‘handle’ and ‘fall’ that sets these fabrics apart. The design cognoscenti relish the raw sophistication of these weaves and how they combine and contrast to create timeless layers of balance and beauty for global tastes. See the new collections at de Le Cuona’s new showroom at the Design Centre, Chelsea. ‘This showroom is beautifully simple with fabric on wings, headers and samples available. Our expert team is on hand, welcoming visitors with a cup of coffee whilst helping interior designers with their schemes. I want it be a relaxed yet forward-looking space for designers to explore our fabrics in this world-famous destination.’ Bernie de Le Cuona Meet Bernie de Le Cuona at London Design Week Tuesday 14 March, 11-12.30pm delecuona.com/events Second Floor, North Dome Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour London SW10 OXE +44 (0) 20 7584 7677 www.delecuona.com BLOOMING INSPIRATION2/3/2017
March is a winter and spring month but always sounds so promising. I know the Snowdrops, that are the harbingers of spring, have bloomed early and there are sparks of proud yellow broom in the greenery of gardens.
It is a time when we try to find space in our cluttered wardrobes for our burdensome overcoats and daydream ways of lighting up our homes. OCHRE has given a lighter touch to its collections. The evocative Beach Pebble has evolved from the celestial pebble but the bronze or nickel metal is replaced by a carved seasoned oak cap. The rope flex gives the light a natural feel and ambience. This new member of the family has a raw tumbled sensibility and a name that recalls drifting shores. Quince is one of OCHRE’S hand-dyed leather shades and this ripening yellow with golden undertones is perfect for this time of year. It looks beautifully fresh yet luxurious on the Sable, Caribou and wisp chairs and table. The new photography is pared back and the light-filled location gives each interior piece space to breath. Step into the new brochure here Categories
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