By Julie A. Palm
At last week’s Interwoven fabric show in High Point, we saw a softening in patterns — whispery, watery designs, whether in stripes, florals or abstracts. The return to traditional designs we’re seeing across home furnishings is apparent in fabrics too, with an emphasis on tapestries and plaids.
Florals and botanicals tended toward the bold and big — and also the diminutive, often with a vintage vibe. Texture, especially in solids, is more important than ever, with cut velvets and nubby chenilles.
There was plenty new to see but notably, we saw restraint. Tariffs, war and other economic pressures mean vendors, in general, aren’t taking big risks with their lines. And, even at the higher end of the market, vendors noted customers are increasingly price conscious.
Here’s some of what marketgoers saw at the show:
Visitors to the Kravet showroom were greeted by a wall of clean, geometric looks from design partner Caroline Cecil. The showroom was a study in contrasts: The coastal modern designs from Cecil on that opening wall and then a “House of Small Prints” collection of softer, vintage-tinged patterns on another wall. Further into the showroom: a group of rich chenilles available in 50 colors and also line of bold tropical prints with oversized botanicals in muted colorways. Notably, Kravet (home also to the Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, GP & J Baker and Donghia brands) featured a collection of bestselling prints, some going back a decade or more. David Lappert Sr., vice president of sales, said the display was a hit and would become a part of the showroom going forward.
Fabric industry veteran Pegi Cladis launched her new Skye Moda line during the show. Describing herself as “a pattern girl, not a body cloth girl,” the line is filled with fresh florals, animal prints, stripes, plaids and geometrics in many constructions, including original artwork from design partners, with prices from the mid-range to luxury end of the market. Whimsical tapestries were a highlight.
In its showroom, Thibaut, which is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, the company highlighted Clermont, a new collection in its Anna French brand inspired by the French Provincial era, with European motifs, a rich color palette and patterns reimagined from historical documents. Thibaut’s new collection from its Coraggio brand features subtle patterns in Italian upholstery made with Scottish wool, hemp and wool sheers. Nick Easom, Eastern regional sales manager, noted that customers are leaning toward warmer colors, including golds. And, Easom said, the company’s trims — for accent pillows, upholster, draperies and more — continue to sell well as manufacturers and designers seek to add personality to pieces.
Sunbrella debuted more than 150 new SKUs, showcasing its evolving Sunbrella Interiors line, and demonstrating a more nuanced approach to color, with earthy tones and versatile neutrals. Subtle botanicals and lived-in washed stripes and geometrics took center stage. As Sunbrella noted, the introductions reflected a broader shift we’re seeing toward “collected” interiors with an emphasis on craft and history.
Silk Crafts Inc., a supplier to many high-end and luxury upholstery vendors, put a focus on color stories, including palettes of corals, greens, blues, warm whites and neutrals as company representative J. Donald Frail said consumers are seeking “happier colors.” “I think people are calming, soothing, peaceful colors so that when they get home, they feel really good,” he said. The company, which started 45 years ago as an importer of silks, now specializes in jacquard, velvet, woven, embroidery and print fabrics and is under the new direction of President Ravi Shah and Vice President Sarika Shah.
Representatives of Threadology said they were seeing strong interest in tapestries, as well as cut velvets, including a collection of designs of oversized gingko leaves, Greek key designs and butterflies available in green, black and coral. Wool plaids remain strong sellers for the company.
At Vanelli, which specializes in drapery and also upholstery fabrics, the emphasis was on natural, nubby, textural fabrics, including linens and wools but with some luxe touches of metallics. Introductions were inspired by mood boards Earthy Elements, Ancestral Nature and the Riviera, with luxurious marine influences.
