Renewable sustainable cellulosic fibre launched for the growing women’s casual wear and loungewear market

This year’s Oscar award ceremony, delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions and held chiefly at Union Station in Los Angeles may have been very different from what we used to see but the event may have given us a glimpse of what it would be like if we were to dress up again.

But in the meantime, casual clothes are the order of the day, as many consumers are in demand for comfortable, sustainable clothing that make more sense today during these challenging times when we are working from home most of the time.

Now US company Eastman has launched its Naia™ Renew cellulosic staple fibre as a timely answer for the growing women’s casual wear and loungewear market.  

Sourced from 60% wood pulp and 40%  recycled  waste plastics,* it can be produced at scale to deliver sustainability without compromise to the fashion world. 

Naia™  garments in a wooden crate.

Naia™ Renew  staple  fiber  has inherent  softness,  is  quick  drying  and reduces garment pilling, according to Carolina Sister  Cohn,  Eastman’s  global  segment  market  manager  for  fashion.  She also said their fibre blends well with other eco-friendly materials such as lyocell, modal and recycled polyester to produce sustainable fabrics and garments that are ideal for everyday comfort wear—whether it’s a busy day on the go or a cozy night on the couch. It is a versatile fibre perfect for T-shirts, comfy pants, jumpsuits and dresses.  

Carolina Sister  Cohn,  Eastman’s 
global  segment  market  manager  for  fashion.

“With more consumers seeking all-day comfort and style, the need for sustainable yet soft,  cocooning  clothing  is  higher  than  ever.  Today,  shoppers  looking  for  sustainable options are not willing to compromise on style nor on quality or durability,” said Cohn.  “Naia™  Renew staple fibre offers sustainable comfort every day, everywhere.” 

Fully  circular,  Naia™  Renew  staple  fibre  is  produced  with  a  low  carbon  footprint  in  a closed-loop process where solvents are safely recycled back into the system for reuse. 

The fibre is produced from wood pulp sourced from certified forests, and the recycled plastics  feedstock  is  generated  via  Eastman's  patented  carbon  renewal  technology (CRT), a  integrated  molecular  recycling  technology  that  breaks  down  waste plastics, such as post-consumer carpet fibre and plastic packaging materials, into basic molecular building blocks for the manufacture of new products including fibers — a truly circular solution creating value from waste.    

Photos courtesy of Eastman-Naia™ 

Rest in Peace Monsieur Alber Elbaz who has died at age 59.

It was sad and shocking to learn of the death of designer Alber Elbaz who passed away after losing his battle to Covid-19, in Paris at the age of 59.  Alber had only recently launched his own label, AZ Factory, in collaboration with Swiss-based luxury group Richemont, which was unveiled during the virtual Paris Fashion Week early this year.  The Moroccan-born, Paris-based, Israeli designer whose immense talent will be sorely missed had served at the helm of Guy Laroche and YSL Rive Gauge in the 1990s before heading as creative director at the house of Lanvin from 2001 to 2015.  May you rest in peace Monsieur Elbaz.

New collection from French brand Karnit Aharoni shows off Paris in the Spring

Images of the newly launched Spring/Summer 21 collection by French brand Karnit Aharoni, encompassing a range of ladies’ shirts, tops and separates, were shot on location in Paris, displaying the French capital's iconic sights in the warm Spring weather.

Originally trained in menswear, Karnit Aharonin exercises her expertise in the new womenswear range bearing the attention to detail and craftsmanship often associate with classical menswear.

A well-travelled designer with an international background, Karnit had lived in Milan and New York, working for major fashion houses such as Ermenegildo Zegna and Donna Karan. 

Now living in France, Karnit's designs are timeless as she wants to create a fashion line that is not bound by the fashion pace of endless collections and seasons. 

Though inspired by elements of men's fashion, her womenswear are decidedly feminine and classically sexy, and effortless.

The collection is produced in France, Italy and Portugal and the fabrics are 100% natural and eco responsible from Italy or France.

Karnit got her masters in fashion menswear from the Royal College of Art in London.  Her parents were diplomats , so from a very early age she was used to travelling, discovering and meeting new people. 

The inspiration behind the spring summer 2021 collection came from images of her grandmother, especially in her thirties, who was a very stylish women, says the designer, interjected with influences of the wild west style, because “we are living (in) crazy times of change and it feels like chaos mixed with the excitement of the new”.

"I believe what we are going through at the moment, are changes which would have happened anyway, even without Covid.  I keep walking the path I’ve started with, and for which I’ve left the fashion industry of big brands: (thus) small quantities, responsible production and partners, and seasonless pieces. I am a woman and I come from a line of very strong women. My grandmother was an incredible person as well as my mother, both very strong and creative. I also have two sisters, two daughters, and friends.  I’m always sensitive to their feed-backs, comments and needs. It's the contemporary femininity.” says Karnit.

Working from home was more popular in London than rest of country, reveals new report

A survey by the Office for National Statistics in the UK has revealed that more people worked from home during the pandemic in London than in any other region of the country, followed by the South-East.

Heather office chair add a stylish flare to any home office, featuring plush boucle body that hugs the contours of the body, and with wheels that are ideal for easy movement. One can choose from both brass and chrome legs against the Scandinavian design in velvet upholstery. The Ayla Desk Table is made from  Weathered Oak and Metal Frame. Both from Cult Furniture in London.

Official figures published on April 19th showed that 43 per cent of Londoners worked from home at some point in 2020, up from 31 per cent in 2019.   It also found that people working from home tend to put in longer hours. 

A working from home station in a
living room setting, created by
Furniture and Choice.

Some of the highest rates of home working were in central London with Lambeth on 53.8 per cent, and Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham on 48.6 per cent.

While in the UK’s South-East it was close at 41 percent, other regions saw far lower levels of working from home with Northern Ireland only on 26 per cent. The UK average was 38 per cent.

With more people working from home, it’s more important than ever that the home itself is functional, mindful and restorative.

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice , says it is important to create distinct zones for work, play and rest.  “As so many of us are working from home, your space now needs to do multiple things: encourage productivity and creativity for work, while also preserving room to rest and relax,” notes Rebecca. “To strike this balance, creating separate zones within the home for different purposes is key.”

“If you don’t have space for a dedicated home office, you can still carve out sections of your living or dining area to work - it’s all about careful planning. Placing a small desk in an alcove and installing shelves is a versatile, functional way to create a clever working space. And once you’re done for the day, tidy the desk up, and you’d still have a cosy little corner with storage!”

Lombok lifestyle range from Walton & Co., based in North Yorkshire, which
has been owned by the Marshall family since 1991.

Whether we are working remotely or do track to the office occasionally, the home is where many of us need a tranquil space to relax in and seek to set aside a sanctuary to maintain our mental balance more so now than ever before.

In Walton and Co's new Lombok Collection for Spring Summer 2021, one can find a selection of soft furnishing that include cushions, throws and rugs in natural fabrics, perfect for creating a space of tranquility indoors or used outdoors during the summer.

The Bali and Java cushions for example feature exotic scenes in calming shades of saffron, linen and charcoal whilst exuberant all over palm embroideries form a stunning trio of cushions, in tonal shades of earth red, olive green and lagoon blue.  Then mix and match with Cotton Dhurrie Fringe cushions in four coordinating colours.  The Sahara rugs come in black and mustard colourways extend the tranquil theme. 

Tom Dixon launched digital "24 Hour in Milan" in honour of Salone del Mobile

Tom Dixon Studio created computer-generated imagery of the BURST chandeliers inside
Milan’s celebrated brutalist church, Chiesa San Nicolao della Flue.
BURST is highly reflective; made up of 12 spherical orbs which explode from a single point construction to create a spectacular chandelier, available in copper and chrome finishes. Mirrored and perfectly reflective when switched off, it reveals a multiplicity of internal reflections from the integral LED when switched on. 

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Milan furniture fair “Salone del Mobile”, British designer Tom Dixon has launched two new products: BURST (in picture above) a large cluster chandelier made of 12 spherical, mirrored orbs bursting from a single-point construction, and the HYDRO Chair made of 100% recyclable aluminium in ballooned form, created in collaboration with aluminium producer HYDRO.  The chair has been blow-formed (through a process called Superplastic Forming) at high temperatures and then laser cut by robots.

Tom Dixon's BURST Copper Chandelier, pictured with the BIRD Chaise, 
SWIRL Table and GLOBE Floor light. 

Due to the continuing social challenges and travel restrictions caused the Coronavirus pandemic, the legendary Salone del Mobile was not held at the usual April fair dates.  So Tom Dixon launched a digital event “24 Hours in Milan” on April 13th, the original opening date for the annual furniture fair, and 'staged' his new range of products through computer-generated imagery on iconic venues, such as the Palazzo Mondadori, the only Italian building from Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and inside Milan’s celebrated brutalist church, Chiesa San Nicolao della Flue.

Tom Dixon Studio created computer-generated imagery of the HYDRO Chairs at Palazzo Mondadori,
 the only Italian building from Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Manufactured in Canada by sub-suppliers to Tesla, the HYDRO chair is 100% recyclable. The 300 limited-edition chairs have all been signed and numbered. The HYDRO chair is available exclusively at Tomdixon.net, from Tom Dixon hubs around the world and selected international partners.

Tom Dixon with the HYDRO chair at the
Coal Office London Headquarters.

It was during the one-day digital series of events that Tom Dixon launched  the two new products for his studio, BURST and HYDRO Chair.  

Dixon himself also made an appearance via hologram. 

The day also featured a series of digital events, high profile talks, retrospectives and activities celebrating Milan and Salone del Mobile’s long-standing contribution to the design world.

Over the course of last year during the pandemic, Dixon has used hologram technology to ‘attend’ design events in Paris, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

This year’s Salone del Mobile is currently scheduled September 5 to10 September 2021.

All images fromTom Dixon Studio

May you Rest in Peace Duke of Edinburgh

Our deepest condolences to our Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom for the passing of her beloved husband of 74 years, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, who passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on April 9th, announced Buckingham Palace.  He was 99.

We will remember Prince Philip for his impeccable style, as Michael Hennegan writes in Vogue UK in homage to the prince, the "last Gentleman".  Hennegan recalls, in a list of advice to young people published through his Duke of Edinburgh scheme last year, Prince Philip advised that we should “dress for ourselves and not others”. 

"The Duke of Edinburgh had that understated, English gentleman style that is completely timeless, embodying all the divine traits of Savile Row,” says Manolo Blahnik. “Whether he was in a suit or in uniform, he looked impeccable.”

May you rest in peace, Prince Philip.  

Texworld Evolution Paris - Le Showroom returns from July 5th to 9th 2021

Faced with continued uncertainties due to the COVID-19 crisis and restrictions imposed on major international events, Messe Frankfurt France has announced that the Texworld Evolution Paris - Le Showroom physical event will take place again, in Paris, from July 5th to 9th.

Texworld Evolution Paris - Le Showroom February 2021.
Texworld photo by Thomas Deron / Graphix Images

The organisers staged its first new concept show in February with much success and decided that this new edition in a physical-cum-digital format will once again be held to allow industry professionals, makers and producers to exchange ideas and showcase selected fabrics and finished products while observing corona-virus sanity protocol.

This convivial event will focus on a selection of trendy products from the textile trade shows Apparel Sourcing, Avantex, Leatherworld and Texworld Paris, chosen to allow buyers to build their collections and exhibitors to present their know-how.

Texworld photo by Thomas Deron / Graphix Images

Touch and feel the fabrics

This appropriate and innovative business solution has already seduced buyers from major ready-to-wear brands, young talents and many fashion designers to whom it has brought a fresh breath of creativity while offering a real meeting place to discover, hold fabrics in hand, get inspired and talk business, according to organisers.  Praised by the European press, the first edition allowed several hundred buyers and fashion designers to discover physically and in optimal conditions of comfort and security, more than 2,500 samples selected by the teams of Messe Frankfurt France from 75 international manufacturers from a dozen countries. During the five-day show, buyers were able to exchange 3,235 requests related to collection projects or orders.

Texworld photo by Thomas Deron / Graphix Images

A wider selection of products and brands

Come July 2021, organisers say this unique event in Paris will present an expanded offer compared to the previous edition, with an even wider selection of finished products from Apparel Sourcing and fabrics from Texworld exhibitors. This array of products will express the full creative potential of the fall-winter 2022 season. As in February, buyers will be welcome upon invitation in order to ensure an adequate flow of attendees. 

Texworld photo by Thomas Deron / Graphix Images

From the moment they arrive at Le Showroom, buyers will be provided with a digital tool specifically developed to facilitate direct contact with manufacturers for expressing interest, requesting samples or quotations, while enjoying an exceptional setting. And for those who are not able to visit the showroom, the experience continues online through the digital sourcing platform developed by Messe Frankfurt France with its partner Foursource. 

Seaside memories are made of these - textile art by Hannah Wisdom

Staycation will be a much welcomed choice in the UK this year while overseas travel restrictions can be challenging, our coastal seaside towns are especially inviting for creating lovely summer memories for many of us.

Seahorses At Drakes Island fine art print by Hannah Wisdom Textiles

Colourful textile art by artist Hannah Wisdom brings a touch of 

carefree summer days into our home.

The talented Hannah Wisdom who has a knack with sewing has demonstrated her craft, creating colourful textile art by sewing rescued fabric scraps onto discarded admiralty sea charts.

A wide range of sea life form the main subjects of her work, from seahorse to mackerel, octopus, dolphin, crabs lobster and sea gull along with iconic coastal fixtures such as light houses and boats.  

Shown above is "Seahorses at Drakes Island", created by sewing rescued fabrics onto a 1999 Admiralty sea chart of Smeatons Pass and the Narrows. There is a colony of seahorses which live in the eelgrass around Drakes Island, which is a fortified island in Plymouth Sound, Devon, according to Hannah.

Hannah says, "My limited edition fine art prints are produced by my local fine art printer, using cutting edge 3D scanning technology. This means that my prints show all the texture and depth of the original works, and are often mistaken for the originals!"

"Mackerel At Whitsand Bay" Cushion in soft faux suede/vegan suede by Hannah Wisdom Textiles.  The cushion cover features a hidden zip closure and plain charcoal faux suede backing,
each measures approx. 42cm square, washable at 30 degrees.

Apart from showing off her unique artworks as limited edition fine art giclee prints, there is also a range of  faux suede cushions to bring a fresh nautical theme to our interiors, conservatory or patio.  

"Dolphins At The Firth Of Forth "By Hannah Wisdom Textiles depict a dolphins are playing in the Firth of Forth, near the iconic road and rail bridges. The original was created by sewing recycled fabrics onto a 1995 Admiralty sea chart.

There are also tea towels as well as A5 size notebooks with an elastic closure in a variety of coordinating designs, with lined or plain pages, perfect for jotting special memories and for doodling or scribbling.

Crab at Wembury Bay Notebook
by Hannah Wisdom Textiles

 Based in Plymouth, Devon, Hannah is a member of The Society for Embroidered Work, Drawntothevalley.com and devonartistnetwork.co.uk.

All items are available at the Hannah Wisdom Textiles website.  

Claude & Leighton launches new joyful art prints to add a sense of outdoors inside the home

As the UK is looking towards a summer full of hope for better times ahead, many of us may be inspired to brighten up our interiors with new pastel summer colours.

British online art print specialist Claude & Leighton® has introduced a selection of new art prints that will inject on-trend colours into our lives. Think summer bouquet, blissful blue, intoxicating soft pinks and greens, and vibrant yellow and peach. Full of happy vibes.

Jayne Leighton Herd, British artist and co-founder of Claude & Leighton, has painted beautiful watercolour and ink compositions of leaves and foliage with a lovely soft, floral feel. The paintings, which she describes as floral foliage, are a result of her own anticipation of reconnecting with nature, a key source of inspiration for her art. The art prints from these paintings will add a sense of the outdoors inside the home, a feel of summer and nature.    

Pastel Yellow Abstract Floral Leaves
wall art print by Claude & Leighton

Jayne explains: “Like me, everyone is desperate for summer, yearning for some outdoor living and sunshine. Since now is the perfect time to freshen up our living spaces, it makes sense to add visual links to summer vibes and to nature, as this really helps our feeling of well-being when we are at home. These prints will add pieces of summer joy to walls.” 

Jayne adds: “Art prints are a simple and cost-effective way to make changes to décor, whether it’s time to redecorate, or to add touches of on-trend colour.” 

Available in various sizes, each print in the collection is produced by Claude & Leighton, using high quality, fade-resistant inks on premium heavyweight, acid-free, archival paper.⁠

Weather-friendly furnishing products for outdoor entertaining

With the lockdown easing in the UK, there is a feeling of optimism in the air and it is time to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

Whether you’re throwing a garden party, having sunset drinks on the terrace or a barbecue with your family, many British lifestyle and interior brands offer new products to help us create an enjoyable setting for entertaining.

Among them is award-winning designer Celina Digby, who is known for her stylish and contemporary chic designs.  Celina has launched a range of water-resistant garden products that will come in handy for the changeable English weather.

Celina Digby's water-resistant garden cushion in Ferns design

The water-resistant cushion above shows a Ferns design.  The cover also has an anti-fungal coating making them perfect for al fresco dining.  Also in the range are matching flat cushion seat pads perfect for outdoor dining chairs and benches.

Celina Digby's waterproof table cloth in Midsummer Morning design

There are also tablecloths made from high quality waterproof fabric, not PVC, so the feel is more natural. They are fully hemmed on all four edges and come in different sizes.  The range includes colourful floral patterns such as Midsummer Morning shown above as well as bold geometrics, along with coordinating products of matching designs.

Celina Digby's water-resistant garden seat pad in Midsummer Night design

Celina Digby has spent the last 18 years living her passion. Celina creates emotive modern interiors  based on the simple belief that good design brings quality to life.  Also found on her website are products for yoga and meditation as well as for children and gifts.