5 Questions… ZAK+FOX, Inc.

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We are happy to present ZAK+FOX, Inc. in our latest installment of 5 Questions… Established in February 2012, ZAK+FOX is a boutique textiles firm located in lower Manhattan, near Wall street. The start-up is celebrating an important milestone -May marks their first anniversary in showrooms in the U.S., UK and Australia.

“Most of our business is built around our products – fabric now, and rugs coming in 2014. All of our fabric products are printed in the USA,” explains Zak Profera, founder of ZAK+FOX.

Zak Profera (right), and Fox

Zak Profera (right), and Fox

5 Questions…

Who or what inspires your designs?

Though I think many are quick to pinpoint ZAK+FOX as a textile line inspired by “travel,” I tell people that our story is more about historic and traditional, rather than being an interpretation of our travels. The idea for ZAK+FOX is a tale about a boy and his dog (the other half, Fox) who adventure across the globe in search of treasures and bring them back to modernity. I’m most inspired by the stories and symbolism of classical designs from any culture. Even the simplest emblem could have the most intense narrative behind it.

Is there a design era or design aesthetic that you’re drawn to?

I love many types of design – I consider my own aesthetic to be quite eclectic – but, I’m drawn to a mix of Japanese textiles, crude wood furniture, Moroccan rugs and mid-century French lighting. I think the mix of texture, color, and silhouettes are what keeps a space compelling, and inviting. I prefer something relaxed, rather than formal.

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What colors do you like working with?

My personal palette leans toward earthy neutrals and super-desaturated colors: burnt reds, smokey yellows and dusty greens and blues.

Why do you like working with Belgian linen?

Linen has a natural sheen that is inherent to the fabric – as far as printing goes, it far surpasses cotton for me. I brings patterns to life without interfering with the art itself.

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Do you have favorite designers you are inspired by? Why?

I love the work of my friends, like Lucas Studio in LA and Brad Ford in NY. Lucas Studio has mastered the mix – they can pull together colors and patterns like no other. Brad Ford has a way of creating quiet, warm, masculine interiors in ways no one else can.

You can find more information about ZAK+FOX at the link, where you will find out their collections and products.

Libeco Home’s Sailing Tote – An Alternative to the Plastic Shopping Bag

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While the debate regarding climate change continues to rage, there is no debate that we each have a role to play in protecting our environment. Now, is the time when we should all take a moment to reflect on our own daily routine and its environmental effect.  An enlightening report recently focused attention on the worldwide problem of single-use plastic bags.  It is commonly estimated that 500 billion plastic bags are consumed each year, although many environmentalist organizations claim that the number is closer to 1 trillion.

Many of the plastic bags used end up in the ocean, and are the second most common ocean refuse after cigarette butts. It has been estimated that every square mile of ocean has approximately 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in it.

According to the United Nations:

  • 10% of the plastic produced every year worldwide will end up in the ocean
  • Once in the ocean or landfills a plastic bag will take 400 to 1,000 years to degrade
  • No more than 5% of the bags made are ever recycled

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One way to help this global problem is to use reusable bags when shopping.  These are becoming more commonplace, and are available at many places, but most of these are made from synthetic materials produced inexpensively.  They also eventually end up in a landfill, and like the plastic bags they replace, will not decompose.  We suggest using the Libeco Home Original Sailing Totes for all of your shopping.  They are soft, roomy, flexible, multi-pocketed and fully washable.  Available in two sizes and two great neutral colors, these bags have two generous zipper pockets inside and 4 roomy pockets outside.  And because linen is a natural fiber, and an ecological choice for fabric, they are a much smarter choice to help the earth.   So, whether you are going to the farmers market, the grocer, or your local drugstore, please remember to bring your multi-functional Original Sailing tote.  It’s a smart choice for a better planet.

The Birth of an Heirloom

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At Libeco Lagae we strive to create the most beautiful fabrics for the home; ones that start out soft and supple, yet continue to get better with use and time. The hand begins to change, getting softer and softer as the years roll by. The luster gets more pronounced, the wrinkles begin to fall out on their own and the drape only increases in elegance. It’s because of these unique properties that linen has been the one textile that  is handed down from generation to generation. This is expected with a fine piece of wooden furniture, or a favorite family recipe, but a tablecloth? Sheets? Absolutely! As with the furniture, proper care of our linen will continue to give the next generation comfort, style and elegance.  In the past, every new bride’s trousseau would have contained her Grandmother’s formal tablecloth and napkins, along with other important items that wove a thread of familial continuity from one generation to the next. This tradition of producing a fine heirloom quality fabric is what our artisans strive for each and every day at Libeco Lagae.  We hope you find that your favorite Libeco linen item will one day make your family’s lives more special for generations.

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JA Design Studio and WesternWare Presented in the Belgian Linen Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market

Our newest entries of products shown in the Belgian Linentm exhibit at the High Point Furniture Market are JA Design Studio/Plumwich and WesternWare Goods. Their work with Belgian Linentm shows the beauty of the fabric, enhancing any room or home. We love their work.

JA Design Studio / Plumwich

JA Design Studio

The Swedish designer, Janet A. Fernandez, is the artist behind J.A. Design Studio. Born in Landskrona, Sweden, Janet moved to Rome, where she lived for over 20 years. In Italy, she studied design and started her career as an interior designer.

 Much of the inspiration for her work comes from her Swedish heritage and Italian background. As an interior designer, Janet likes to mix modern with classic and to incorporate clean lines with antique detailing.

 In 1995, she moved to Miami, where she expanded her clientele as both an artist and an interior designer. In 2000, Janet developed her line of hand-painted and designed tablecloths and textiles, under the brand Plumwich.

 J.A. Design Studio specializes in designed, hand-painted tablecloths and textiles custom-made to fit the clients’ needs. The material used for the tablecloths and textiles is mainly Belgian linen.

 The uniqueness of her tablecloths and textiles comes from their high-end design and artistry. All of the work is custom-made and selected from their library of patterns and colors, often inspired by classical designs, which makes each product unique. Their work includes tablecloths, napkins, place mats, cushions, curtain panels, wall coverings, and throws.

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Follow the link for more information about JA Design Studio/Plumwich.

*Photos courtesy of JADesignStudio.com

WesternWare Goods

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WesternWare Goods is designed for people who love the Equine & Western lifestyle and want to integrate their passion into their homes and onto their dinner tables. Westernware Goods is a union of historic fine art photography, American ephemera, rustic elegance and stylized design – either modern or traditional.

WesternWare was founded in 2004 as a result of Abigail Hornik-Minckler’s personal search for elegant western dinnerware. Since then the line has grown beyond tabletop to include lighting, textiles and home accent pieces, some of which have been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Cowboys & Indians and Sunset magazines. It is a genuine pleasure to offer high quality items that have historic relevance.

Abigail, a native New Yorker, was first introduced to the magnificent history of the West by her husband, Thomas Minckler, a third generation Montanan. He has been a well-known art dealer for over thirty years specializing in vintage photography, 19th and 20th century Western Paintings, Rare Books and Ephemera. The photography and graphic images come from their personal collections. My inspiration is born out of their passion for the history of the West and their desire to share it with others.

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Follow the link for more information about WesternWare Goods.

The Belgian Linentm represents the hundreds of years of artisan workmanship in creating the finest linen in the world. When you see the Belgian Linentm symbol, you can rest assured that you are buying quality unsurpassed. Look for it when shopping for linen products.

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L.A.P. of Luxury and Linoto Products Shown at Belgian Linen Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market

Today’s post notes the synonymous relationship between Belgian Linentm and luxury. L.A.P. of Luxury creates beautiful bedding, apparel, and tabletop goods all with Belgian Linentm. Linoto’s goods are incredibly inviting. We were really impressed at quality of all of these products. We’re certain you will be, too.

L.A.P. of Luxury

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L.A.P. of Luxury is a custom sewing and design company specializing in creating unique products catering to your specific needs. As a designer, I believe that sewn goods should fit your body, home, and lifestyle and reflect an individual’s unique taste.

L.A.P. of Luxury was started as a home sewing business in September of 2005. I was a frustrated artist working in the engineering field for 18 years. Lacking a hobby, I decided to resurrect my sewing machine and make some much needed curtains for my den. I realized how much I had missed working with my hands and creating beautiful things. I spent most of my childhood doing just that—designing, sewing, and crafting. After so many years working in a field that stifled my creativity, I decided to turn this hobby into a business.

L.A.P. of Luxury is committed to making sure each item is cut, sewn, and inspected to the highest level of standards.

Our wholesale linen line features bed skirts, duvets, pillow covers, sheet sets, table linens, curtain panels and beautiful nightwear, as well as custom items.

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Follow the link for more information about L.A.P. of Luxury.

*Photos courtesy of Lap-of-Lux.com.

Linoto

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Linoto is the premier US designer and manufacturer of 100% linen products for bed, bath and home.

Since 2007, Linoto has been making the finest Linen Sheets, Duvet Covers, Napkins, Tablecloths, and Linen Towels at our workshop in New York City. Many Linoto products are made from the finest European flax and are available in a beautiful range of gorgeous colors to suit every taste.

Linoto’s styling is clean and modern- available in over 20 colors from bright white to natural to copper plum. The look is natural, organic and modern chic.

When I founded Linoto, I envisioned luxurious, high-quality eco-friendly products. Our beautiful linens are are naturally pleasing, tactile, and sensuous. Each item is folded by hand and packed with loving care. Plain and simple kraft paper wrapped (like an old-fashioned parcel) provides and elegant solution for modern-day eco-conscious consumers.

Linen:  It just feels right.

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Follow the link for more information about Linoto.

*Photos courtesy of Linoto.com

The Belgian Linentm logo is assurance that the goods you’re buying are made from authentic Belgian Linentm. Look for this symbol when you’re shopping.

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Product From Two Girls in Avignon and V Rugs and Home Presented in the Belgian Linen Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market

Today we have the opportunity to feature two more companies who were part of the Belgian Linentm Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market. Two Girls in Avignon uses Belgian Linentm to create their pillows, napkins, decorative panels and other beautiful product. We’ve had to the pleasure to present V Rugs and Home in a previous post. They use Belgian Linentm to produce their beautiful home goods.

Two Girls in Avignon

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As is the case with all things antique, Belgian Linenstm are becoming more and more rare.

Started by two girlfriends, Two Girls in Avignon is dedicated to preserving and providing Belgian Linenstm.

We search country fairs in the south of France, tiny boutiques in Paris, even attics in ancient hilltop villages like Avignon, Montpellier and Aix-en-Provence.

We find fewer fabrics every visit. To preserve them, we have begun pairing exquisite floral, antique ribbons, millinery flowers and hand-tied fringe with vintage Belgian Linentm sheets to create one-of-a-kind towels and pillows. And anything else we may think of, so nothing goes to waste.

We want these fabrics to live on and we continue to source the best linens in the world so you may have a bit of this beauty in your shop or home.

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Follow the link for more information about Two Girls in Avignon.

*Photos courtesy of Twogirlsinavignon.com

V Rugs & Home

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V Rugs and Home is a Miami-based operation that creates beautiful home accessories from various fabrics, including Belgian linen.

Rafael Velazquez and Mariano Micheli opened their business in 2005 creating throw pillows, expanding to throw blankets, rugs, small furniture accent pieces, and other home accessories.

Their use of color is striking, often blending unique color combinations to create eye-catching accents for the home. Their designs are modern and bold, using natural elements to embellish their pillows and put them on the cutting edge of home design. Rafael and Mariano are inspired by architecture and nature. They travel a lot, and find that there is something that speaks to them everywhere they go. You can see those influences in the patterns and colors they use on a particular pillow.

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Their use of sustainable materials; natural elements like bone and shell for buttons and trims, reflect their passion for a beautiful world. For V Rug & Home, color provides a rich spectrum to work with but natural colors are great for creating a warm cozy environment.

Their line is designed and sewn in the US and sold through retailers and designers worldwide.

Follow the link for more information about V Rugs & Home.

We are proud to extol the beauty, ecology, and versatility of Belgian Linentm. The exhibit at High Point Furniture Market displayed the origins of Belgian Linentm and all of the wonderful products that can be made from it – from bedding, tabletop, décor accessories, to fashion. These vendors and the others presented insist on the best, and you should, too. Look for this shield when looking for Belgian Linentm.

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Product from Mary Gregory Studio and Raphael’s Shown in Belgian Linen Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market

Today’s entries feature use of Belgian Linentm that is a bit out of the box. Mary Gregory Studio produces beautiful art printed on Belgian Linentm that will enhance any room with its elegance. Raphael’s show us that linen can spruce up our walls in ways we may not have thought of. These displays in the Belgian Linentm exhibit at High Point Market are great examples of the versatility of this incredible fabric.

Mary Gregory Studio

Mary Gregory

Mary Gregory Studio, Ltd., consists of my original art and prints. The name of the home and gift product line, Fig Marmalade, was inspired by my great-aunt, Claudia (Lala), who used to make homemade fig marmalade. Lala is an artist and has encouraged me in my artistic endeavors throughout my whole life, even buying my first set of art supplies way back when.

After my two daughters were grown, the time was right to seriously pursue my artistic dreams. Oils were perfect for capturing elements from nature and scenes from my country home. I take great delight in the natural world and enjoy painting as a way of interacting with these things and their Creator. We live in a beautiful world and much of it, especially the small things, goes unnoticed. It is my joy to point out those things.

Because of my interest in design and business, in 2010, I began developing a line of products featuring my artwork. My youngest, Anna, came on board to help launch and manage many aspects of the growing company and my husband, David, is in charge of much of the production. Inspired by fresh air and farm life, we are busy making Fig Marmalade…a tangy spread of artful goods!

All of our products are made in the USA, much of them on our own farm. We take great care to make each item the best it can be and hope that it will be a joy for you to live with.

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Follow the link for more information about Mary Gregory Studio.

Raphael’s

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Raphael’s Inc was started in 1976, by an artist who began searching for a better way to frame her art.  She recognized the value of adding fabric in the area between the art and the frame as a means to draw the viewer’s eye into the picture.

The company has evolved into what is now the largest manufacturer and distributor of fabrics, matting and liners in the world. Through extensive research and development into our products and the modern-day technology in our production methods, we have provided the creative tools and materials used by thousands of Framers and Galleries to turn their distinctive designs into unique framing.

The products we provide are not mass produced, so they may be a little more expensive, but they include many features that will save you and your customers’ time, and allow your work to stand out in a crowded market.  All of the materials we work with have been specially selected for their sustainability.

Our fabric, liner and framing products used around the panels and canvases we offer are only meant to enhance the creativity that the artist brings to the canvas.

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Raphael’s bulletin boards

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Following the link for more information about Raphael’s.

The Belgian Linentm represents the hundreds of years of artisan workmanship in creating the finest linen in the world. When you see the Belgian Linentm symbol, you can rest assured that you are buying quality unsurpassed. Look for it when shopping for linen products.

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Julia B. and K Studio Product on Display at Belgian Linen Exhibit at Hight Point Furniture Market

Today, we have the pleasure to introduce to you two artisans that have exciting flair in the work they do with Belgian Linentm. Julia B creates home goods with a stunning look of sophistication. K Studio has a quirky style that reflects a unique perspective on life and the world around us. We hope you enjoy learning about their work as much as we have.

Julia B.

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Julia B is the inspiration of Julia Berger. Born in Japan of a Japanese mother and an American father, Julia grew up in Tokyo and San Francisco. She attended Brown University and studied textiles at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Florence. She speaks five languages, and has worked in Europe, Asia and the USA. Before launching Julia B she worked for Donna Karan and Calvin Klein developing the Japanese market.

Julia’s aesthetic has been shaped by her life experience. Her designs combine Asian simplicity with European tradition. In a world of mass production, she values handmade products of superb craftsmanship.

In the spring of 2008 a decision was taken to design a collection of vintage inspired bed linens, and to build the business through online sales and partnerships with interior decorators and linen retailers throughout the US and Europe. The concept was to provide a custom product of fresh design and exquisite quality at an accessible price. The next year was spent traveling the world establishing a network of suppliers. The result is Julia B.

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Follow the link for more information about Julia B.

*Photos courtesy of Julia B.

K Studio

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Mother/daughter team Shelly and Mary Klein founded k studio in 2004 with a clear direction: To share Shelly’s knack for delicate linear patterns and her ever-growing menagerie of richly evocative characters with as many people possible. Every k studio product starts as a canvas for these ideas, and each is manufactured to the highest standards for consistent quality, exact finishing and true sustainability.

As a fine artist, Shelly Klein’s work reflects a lifelong exploration into the themes of family, chance, and loneliness. The sometimes strange, always interesting characters that inhabit her paintings also provide endless inspiration for new k studio designs.

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Follow the link for more information about K Studio.

*Photos courtesy of K Studio.

We are proud to extol the beauty, ecology, and versatility of Belgian Linentm. Our exhibit at High Point Furniture Market will display the origins of Belgian Linentm and all of the wonderful products that can be made from it – from bedding, tabletop, décor accessories, to fashion. These vendors and the others we will present here insist on the best, and you should, too. Look for this shield when looking for Belgian Linentm.

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Jill McGowan and John Mahoney Products on Display in Belgian Linen Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market

We are proud to present to you the next creators in our series of designers and manufacturers who are being featured in the Belgian Linentm Exhibit at High Point Furniture Market. Jill McGowan and John Mahoney are designers whose work we are honored to present here. Their use of linen to create and influence fashion is stunning. We’re certain you’ll agree.

Jill McGowan

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Jill McGowan, Inc. was started in 1994 with two guiding principles: to create beautiful clothing that is comfortable & fashionable, and to make clothing of quality that will endure fashion changes and wear well.

The first line of clothing from Jill McGowan, Inc. was a series of white shirts. This line was inspired by her work as a patternmaker in the men’s shirt industry.

After comparing her work on men’s shirts to women’s clothing of equal price, she realized the genuine need to improve the standard of women’s clothing.

Jill’s shirts and seasonal collections are now available in over 300 specialty stores around the country and her work has been featured in several publications including WWD, Harper’s Bazaar, the New York Times, Victoria, Real Simple, Rescue and More magazines, and the online fashion site: Daily Candy.

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Jill has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show and Martha has blogged about her visit to the studio. Her shirts have been worn in feature length films and television shows.

Follow the link for more information about Jill McGowan.

John Mahoney

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John Mahoney’s canvas is life, and his work centers on the home. As part of his mission to bring beauty and joy to our living environments, he founded John Mahoney Designs Inc. in 2002 to produce outstanding works of functional, decorative art.

Trained as a fine artist, John designs wallpaper, rug, and textile collections that offer a specific point of view infused with a love of pattern and color. Underpinning John’s elegantly simple designs are complex tales based on his deep knowledge of Japanese art and literature.

From silk-screening and stenciling to wallpapers and textiles, John’s products bridge the gap between art, craft, and design. His company’s handmade products are designed to be lived with-not just looked at.

His work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art and has been featured by the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, as well as National Public Radio, The New York Times Style Magazine, and the New Yorker.

In addition to countless custom residential and commercial projects, John has also designed collections for Zoffany and Tai Ping. He has just realized a collection of Japanese-style robes and home accessories that are printed and sewn in the USA using his own textile designs.

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Follow the link for more information about John Mahoney.

The Belgian Linentm represents the hundreds of years of artisan workmanship in creating the finest linen in the world. When you see the Belgian Linentm symbol, you can rest assured that you are buying quality unsurpassed. Look for it when shopping for linen products.

BelgianLinenLogo

Emdee International and Jane Sisco are Featured in the Belgian Linen Exhibit at Hight Point Furniture Market

Today we introduce you to Emdee International, a growing company that specializes in luxury home goods from Europe and most recently, from India. We also have Jane Sisco, a designer of beautiful apparel made from Belgian LinenTM. We’re sure you will love all of their designs.

Emdee International

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Emdee International was established in 1994 out of the aspirations of two women entrepreneurs, Manju Vaswani and Deepa Dharamrup.  From the very beginning, they set high standards for their products and customer service.

They are only interested in selling products that they love and would want in their own homes.  It is also important for them to have a relationship with their customers and to create a synergy between the product, themselves and their customers.  They feel they can be most important to a retailer who holds the same values as their own, so they go to great lengths to meet the needs of such customers.

Custom products, smaller minimums and quick shipments are just a few of the services they feel are important to offer.

Do not look to Emdee for seasonal, trendy, or niche looks. All of their products can be classified as medium to high end, classic, elegant and mostly European.

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Their consistent theme is quality and their looks can be described as warm, elegant and inviting.

Follow the link for more information about Emdee International.

Jane Sisco

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At 50, I decided to return to school.

With extensive experience in textiles, design, art, and architecture, I had always dreamed of designing printed textiles for apparel. Since the early 1960’s, when I discovered Design Research in Harvard Square, I envisioned creating design for the everyday. My mother, in whose memory I created my business, instilled in me a critical eye, respect for the highest quality, strict pragmatism, an appreciation of fine fabrics, and imaginative descriptions of color.

Working toward an MFA in Textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design, I was influenced by the work of Vuokko Nurmesniemi for Marimekko, Metsovaara, Vera, and Jack Lenor Larsen. I was introducted to the art and craft of experimental silk-screen on a range of surfaces, and loved the immediacy of the medium.

During my years at RISD, I concentrated on textile design for print to be used for beautiful, yet practical, everyday apparel. I worked to create textiles that were conceived by simply stopping and looking closely. The designs in these collections evolved from paying close attention, and to discovering beauty in the mundane.

By envisioning simple, functional, and flexible garments on the human body, I engineer the textile designs to move across and around the garment. Front and back relate to each other, sleeves relate to the body, and hem relates to the shoulder. The design undulates across the body, and moves with the body.

Collectively reminiscent of Asian apparel such as the Japanese Noh robe, the Korean chima choguri, and the Ottoman kaftan, these garments honor the salwaar kameez and the kurta of India.

I am grateful to present these designs to you.

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Follow the link for more information about Jane Sisco.

The Belgian LinenTM logo is assurance that the goods you’re buying are made from authentic Belgian LinenTM. Look for this symbol when you’re shopping.

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