Interior Trend: Lemieux et Cie’s History-Inspired Wallpaper Collection Now at Beautiful Walls

Wallpaper is having a nostalgic comeback in interior design, and Lemieux et Cie’s latest collection captures this perfectly. Designed by Christiane Lemieux, each design in the collection draws on historical wallpaper styles from around the world, crafted meticulously by hand.

Lemieux Et Cie Zora Wave - Denim, available at Beautiful Walls
Artistic brushstrokes interpret waves in motion that crash and swirl from the central wellsprings of Zora Waves.  A retrospective from the private collections of Christiane Lemieux featuring global, artistic, and handcrafted designs. 

It is typified by richly layered designs that are effortlessly relaxed, according to Tim Dixon, Managing Director of retailer Beautiful Walls.  

Tim said: “This collection was inspired by the wallpaper classics of years gone by, and given a modern update for 21st century living.

“While each design within the collection has been created for visual impact, there is a subtleness to the range to ensure it works in harmony with existing home styling.”

Lemieux Et Cie Rousseau Paperweave - Indigo, available at Beautiful Walls
The hand-dyed yarns of an Indonesian ikat influence Rousseau Paperweave's diamond tapestry weave made from organic paper. 

 

The collection offers 14 unique designs, spanning geometric patterns, florals, painterly motifs, and tapestry-inspired prints, with an abstract mural of rolling ocean waves as a standout piece. Each design draws from Christiane Lemieux’s private archives, showcasing global, artistic, and handcrafted influences. Her brand, Lemieux Et Cie, epitomizes luxury through minimalist refinement—richly layered yet with an effortless, relaxed elegance. This deeply personal style reflects a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of imperfection, as described by Beautiful Walls.

Lemieux Et Cie Painterly Labyrinth - Navy, available at Beautiful Walls
Known as the Venice of Provence, the canals and bridges of this dockside town give Martigue Stripe its coastal sophistication.

Highlights include Painterly Labyrinth, a design inspired by the structures of an ancient maze, which is available in five colourways, and Orly Tigers, which depicts the heirloom prayer rugs from Tibetan monasteries.

Lemieux Et Cie Orly Tigers - Taupe/Charcoal, available at Beautiful Walls
The heirloom prayer rugs of Tibetan monasteries inspired European tapestries
such as the stylized rendering of Orly Tigers. 

The look of handcrafted artisanal weaves is brought to life in Kami Paperweave, while Plein Air Palms is an impressionist take on palm fronds.

Lemieux Et Cie Plein Air Palms - Green, available at Beautiful Walls
Artistic brushstrokes create an outdoor landscape of Impressionist palm fronds and stems in Plein Air Palms. 

Tim added: “This is a curation that pushes boundaries with texture, pattern, and colour, offering a unique way to elevate your space. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of damask or the modern edge of geometric prints, this collection has something for all interior fans.”

Lemieux Et Cie Avril Chinoiserie - Coral, available at Beautiful Walls
Western paintings of flowering branches compose Avril Chinoiserie with the exotic air of mystery associated with classic Asian art and style.

New York-based LEMIEUX ET CIE was launched in 2020 by designer and home furnishings entrepreneur Christiane Lemieux with a focus on the creative design process, partnering with master artisans and producers around the globe, and letting the creative process happen.

Beautiful Walls is a family-run business boasting exclusive wallpaper collections to suit all interior tastes.  It started as The London Paperhanging Company in 1854.

All images courtesy of Beautiful Walls.

Textiles Trade Fair: Première Vision Paris announces February and September 2025 event dates

Première Vision Paris is an essential event for professionals to explore upcoming trends in textiles, colours, materials, and design. Held twice annually, the fair allows industry players to stay ahead of seasonal trends while offering exhibitors a valuable platform to showcase cutting-edge fabrics, sustainable materials, and innovations in textile production. This keeps designers, brands, and manufacturers globally inspired and competitive within an ever-evolving market.

The fair brings together the entire textile value chain—from yarns to fabrics, designs, leather, accessories, and smart creation—catering to markets ranging from luxury and premium to mass distribution. This holistic approach positions Première Vision as a global observatory, capturing the evolution of an industry undergoing both structural and cyclical transformations.

In 2025, Première Vision Paris will return to its traditional February and September schedule. Additionally, Blossom Première Vision, its sister event, will shift to early summer and December, enhancing alignment with the industry's rapid pace and changing needs.

The GL events Fashion Division, responsible for Première Vision, announced this new schedule to support the industry’s shift toward sustainable transformation, technological advancement, changing consumer habits, and evolving economic demands. 

According to Florence Rousson, General Manager of GL events Fashion Division, these changes represent “the first strong steps in a new strategy” aimed at supporting the industry’s transformation. She emphasized that these adjustments are driven by GL events’ commitment to reshaping the industry, reinforcing Première Vision’s role as a catalyst for growth.

With 19 annual events, GL events’ fashion division includes Première Vision, Tranoï, and Fashion Source shows, creating a unique hub that addresses modern challenges in the global fashion market. As a vital part of the creative industry, this division fosters collaboration and debate among creative professionals worldwide.

Face-to-face interactions at international trade fairs remain invaluable for building strong global business relationships, enabling richer communication and collaboration than is typically possible through remote means.

All photos from Première Vision Paris February 2024 event by Lucia Carpio

Home and Contract Textiles Fair: Heimtextil 2025 to Unveil New Design Trend Curator and Expanded Product Offerings from January 14–17 in Frankfurt

Heimtextil, one of the world’s largest and most influential trade fairs for home and contract textiles, serves as a major platform for manufacturers, designers, and retailers in the textile and interior design industries. The fair showcases the latest trends, innovations, and insights across home textiles, furnishings, and sustainable materials.

Organized by Messe Frankfurt, Heimtextil will next take place from January 14-17 2025 in its extensive exhibition grounds in Frankfurt. The event will span 16 hall levels dedicated to various textile categories, from fibres and yarns to finished products, providing a comprehensive market overview.

On a visit to London in October, Ivonne Seifert, Heimtextil's Director of Marketing Communications, shared that to-date approximately 2,900 exhibitors from 60 countries are set to present their latest collections, materials, and textile solutions, each showcasing current trends and innovations. Seifert highlighted that the upcoming event would introduce new highlights and additions, making Heimtextil a prime destination for trade visitors eager to expand their textile knowledge. As a networking and knowledge hub, Heimtextil aids companies in future-proofing their development and growth.

In response to growing demand for trend guidance, Heimtextil has, for the first time, enlisted Milan-based design platform Alcova to curate the Heimtextil Trends 25/26.  Additionally, world-renowned designer and architect Patricia Urquiola will bring textile design to life with an exclusive installation under the theme “among-us” in the Trend Arena.

Click HERE to read the full article.

All photos from Heimtextil January 2024 event, courtesy of Messe Frankfurt.

Interiors Product Launch: British Home interiors brand Laura Ashley launches Autumn/Winter 2024 range

As the weather gets cooler and we step into autumn, British home and interiors brand Laura Ashley invites us to step into a modern country story with Rustic Charm, as we look into developing an intimate story for a residential bedroom project.

Wallpapers and soft furnishings from Laura Ashley showcase feminine ditsy florals with the modern nostalgia of on-trend terracotta orange and autumnal hues.

The new Autumn Winter collection from Laura Ashley featuring warm colour palettes, soft details, and luxurious fabrics, evokes a welcoming and inviting ambience, perfectly suited for snug evenings in autumn, creating a cosy and relaxed atmospher.

This story features a blend of neutral tones and autumnal hues, complemented by large scale floral prints.

Helen Ashmore, Laura Ashley's Head of Design, notes: “Terracotta is more than just a colour; it’s a statement of warmth and comfort. Incorporating this shade into your home, whether through wallpaper, sleepwear, or even carpets and rugs, creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. This timeless colour brings a touch of nature indoors, making it ideal for the autumn and winter months.”

Country living is brought to life with timeless earthy tones featured in upholstery fabrics, cushions and washed-oak furniture pieces, like the Braystone collection. Featuring a painterly floral design with trailing hibiscus flowers amongst scrolling leaves, Aylworth Trail is a hero print with terracotta orange adding a romantic charm. 

Autumnal hues of fern green, duck egg and sage green with touches of mustard yellow create a rich and cosy ambience in the home.  Wallpapers and soft furnishings combine feminine ditsy florals with the modern nostalgia of iconic stripe patterns in on-trend terracotta orange and autumnal hues.

Antiques Fair News: London's LAPADA Fair Runs October 22-27, 2024, Featuring Luxury Wall-Coverings by Fromental

The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, taking place from October 22 to 27 in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, remains a premier destination for those passionate about fine art, furniture, jewellery, and collectibles. Known for blending tradition with modern luxury, the fair is organized by the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA) and is renowned for its meticulously curated exhibits. It continues to serve as a vibrant hub for antique and art trading in central London, attracting an international audience.

Fromental's hand-embroidered designs at Decorex 2024.  Photo by Lucia Carpio

This year, British brand Fromental, celebrated for its luxury wall-coverings featuring hand-painted and hand-embroidered designs, especially in the chinoiserie style, plays a prominent role through two special collaborations. One of these showcases their iconic chinoiserie design, which wraps the exterior of Berkeley Square, paying tribute to the venue's historical significance and timeless elegance.

At the Decorex interiors fair held at Kensington Olympia, London October 6-9 2024, 
Fromental presented a selection of hand-painted and embroidered silk panels suspended overhead,  with walls on either side showing the brand's embroidered chinoiserie wall-coverings.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

In addition, an innovative use of Augmented Reality (AR) allows visitors to scan the design with their smartphones and watch as the intricate Nightingale songbird comes to life and takes flight, adding a dynamic, interactive element to the artwork. This fusion of tradition and modern technology offers a fresh, engaging way to experience the craftsmanship behind Fromental’s designs. 

Lizzie Deshayes, Creative Director at Fromental, explains, "This collaboration explores the interplay between historical influences and contemporary design. By integrating technology with classical art, we’re pushing creative boundaries while staying true to our roots."

The exterior wrap pays homage to classical craftsmanship, featuring rich details such as magnolias, fruit trees, and peonies, all brought to life through Fromental’s signature hand-painted artistry. It's a celebration of historical techniques reimagined for the present, demonstrating how tradition can evolve alongside modern innovation.

Inside the LAPADA fair, Fromental’s wall coverings also grace the restaurant space, providing visitors with an immersive backdrop that further enriches their sensory experience.

A Bespoke Design for the Berkeley Square Collective stand,
curated by the talented Stephanie Barba Mendoza, features Nobuko from Fromental.

Meanwhile, another of Fromental's bespoke wallpaper designs is showcased at the Berkeley Square Collective stand, curated by designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza. The wallpaper, titled Nobuko, draws inspiration from Stephanie’s recent travels to Tokyo and the works of French sculptor Ivan Leon Alexandre Blanchot. Combining Art Deco influences with modern techniques, the design presents a striking fusion of elegance and history.

Hand-finished on iridescent paper, Nobuko features a floral motif in a trompe l'œil style, resembling a stone bas-relief. It is framed by faux marbles inspired by the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii, creating a space that captures both historical richness and contemporary artistry. Stephanie’s curation of the stand artfully weaves together art, antiques, and design, offering visitors a distinctive experience that bridges the past with the present.

Fromental's silk panels at Decorex 2024
Photo by Lucia Carpio

At the Decorex interiors fair, held at Kensington Olympia, London, from October 6-9, 2024, Fromental presented a stunning display of hand-painted and embroidered silk panels suspended overhead, flanked by walls showcasing the brand's signature embroidered chinoiserie wall-coverings. 

Photo by Lucia Carpio

The centerpiece of the installation was a striking creation from fashion designer Harris Reed’s couture collection, as seen above, crafted from Fromental’s silk wallcovering panels and previously featured at the Met Gala in New York.  The dramatic ensemble featured a three-dimensional corset, a draped train and extra-flared trousers.

Fromental was founded in 2005 by Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes.  Their high-end wall-coverings are often seen in luxury interiors around the world, including private homes, hotels, and commercial spaces. 

Art and Culture: El Fenn in Marrakech Announces New Series of Curated Art Weekends; A Deep Dive into the city’s Vibrant Art Scene, Coinciding with 1-54 Art Fair

Marrakech in Morocco has long been a center of artistic exchange and inspiration. The city’s rich history, vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and dynamic culture have drawn artists and intellectuals for decades. Its mix of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship—tilework, metalwork, textiles, and mosaics—alongside contemporary artistic movements, has made it an important cultural crossroads.

The city is a meeting point of Arab, Berber, and European influences, creating a dynamic blend of artistic styles and traditions. Its vibrant souks (markets) are filled with handmade goods, from intricate carpets to leatherwork, which have inspired many contemporary artists and designers.

Now tucked away behind the rose-coloured walls of the Marrakech medina, El Fenn is an oasis of a hotel "for modern travelers seeking abundance in all its forms. Developed thoughtfully and gradually over the course of the past 20 years, El Fenn prides itself as a fusion of the finest modern amenities and a deep connection to place, providing the ideal setting for guests to completely immerse in the rich, vibrant culture of Marrakech while being inspired at every turn."

El Fenn has announced it is inviting art lovers to experience an immersive, curated art weekend from January 30 to February 2, 2025, giving insider access to the best of Marrakech’s vibrant art scene during the increasingly popular 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. 

The exclusive three-night experience offers guests the opportunity to explore the dynamic local art scene like a local, meet El Fenn co-owner, gallerist, and collector Vanessa Branson, and attend the VIP preview of the Marrakech edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.

Limited to just 24 participants, this intimate weekend will kick off a series of on-going curated stays and includes a new El Fenn exhibition, alongside guided tours of the hotel’s renowned art collection, which features contemporary works by Moroccan, African, and international artists such as William Kentridge, Hassan Hajjaj, and Yto Barrada. Attendees will also have the chance to explore some of Marrakech’s most exciting galleries, including a special trip to the Montresso Foundation.

The weekend offers experiences that are both guided and self-directed, allowing participants to curate their own experience of Marrakech’s art and culture.

"I can’t wait to introduce people to the exciting art scene here in Marrakech," says El Fenn co-founder,  gallerist and art collector, Vanessa Branson. "The creative energy in Africa is unique and this weekend will offer a chance for people to really experience it all.”

Bookings can be made by emailing retreats@el-fenn.com or visit El Fenn website.

About Vanessa Branson:

Vanessa opened her first gallery in London in 1986, where she showcased emerging artists, including William Kentridge’s debut exhibition in the UK. She also co-founded and curated the Wonderful Fund Collection alongside Prue O'Day, assembling nearly 100 contemporary artworks by renowned artists such as Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Tracey Emin, and Gavin Turk.

In 2004, Vanessa co-founded El Fenn with her business partner Howell James. She also served as the Founding President of the Marrakech Biennale, North Africa’s only trilingual arts festival, which featured visual art, literature, and film programmes with contributions from acclaimed international and Moroccan artists.

In October 2014, Vanessa was honored with the Royal distinction of Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, recognizing her significant contributions to Morocco’s cultural scene, particularly her role in establishing Marrakech as a vibrant and diverse platform for the arts.

Textile Trade: Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris set to return to Le-Bourget exhibition centre in January 2025; second event rescheduled to September

International trade fairs are essential for professionals to stay updated on industry trends, forge key business relationships, discover new innovations, and effectively navigate the global market. This is especially true for the textile and fashion industries, where fairs serve not just as showcases but as dynamic marketplaces for knowledge, creativity, and collaboration that shape the future of the field.

For fashion designers and makers, these fairs are foundational, providing access to the materials, inspiration, and innovations they need to bring their creative visions to life.

In Paris, one of the world’s premier fashion hubs, trade shows like Première Vision and Texworld And Apparel Sourcing hold immense importance. Held twice a year, they are crucial hubs for innovation, networking, and business growth, offering significant benefits to attendees. The next Première Vision will take place from February 11–13, 2025 at Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, while Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, organized by Messe Frankfurt Paris, will be held from February 10–12, 2025 at Paris-Le Bourget exhibition centre; both will be focusing on Spring-Summer 2026 collections.

Organizers expect a strong turnout of buyers and fashion brands at Texworld and Apparel Sourcing, giving attendees access to global sourcing opportunities for designing and building their Spring-Summer 2026 collections. This return to the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre venue is significant, as the exhibition center was unavailable for the last two seasons due to its use during the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the interim, Texworld and its related fairs were relocated to the Parc de Versailles fair ground in south Paris.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt has announced that its second Texworld And Apparel Sourcing fair in 2025 will now take place from September 15–17, moving from July to better align with the fashion industry’s creative cycles. This calendar shift, along with the presence of sectors like Avantex and Leatherworld, ensures that sourcing and order placements are more closely tied to collection development timelines.  The July 2024 edition held a couple of weeks before the Summer Olympics welcomed some 1,200 exhibitors from 26 countries. 

To enhance the experience for buyers, the layout of Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris will be reconfigured. International suppliers will be housed in Halls 3 and 4, with new synergies created across sectors, such as a dedicated women’s wardrobe section in Hall 4 and a large space for outdoor, sportswear, and casualwear in Hall 3. Services like the trends forum, restaurants, and the Agora—where conferences and roundtables will be held—will be consolidated in Hall 2, offering a more cohesive and efficient experience for attendees.

This reorganization is expected to strengthen the fair’s offerings, with encouraging booking levels suggesting an active and dynamic session. The event underscores the vital role played by European markets in the fashion sector, from ready-to-wear to luxury, with major sourcing nations such as China, Turkey, India, and others well represented.

One noteworthy aspect is the continuation of the Yarn Expo pavilion, which focuses on yarn sourcing and the expertise of leading spinning companies, a concept first introduced in July 2024. Messe Frankfurt’s team is dedicated to meeting the evolving demands of the market, with a strong focus on sustainability. As Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France, highlighted, “Buyers, brand managers, and designers come to Paris looking for players who can export and meet the sustainable development objectives that consumers are imposing on the fashion world today.”

A key initiative is the focus on sustainable fashion, driven by the Econogy principle and promoted worldwide through Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network. The Econogy Finder will help buyers identify suppliers of sustainably produced textiles, while Econogy Talks will offer a platform for discussing environmental issues, and the Econogy Tours, first launched in July 2024, will return for the February 2025 event, offering specialized insights into sustainable sourcing.

All photos courtesy of Messe Frankfurt Paris/Texworld and Apparel Sourcing Paris - July 2024 event.