Sunday, May 8, 2011

High fashion meets home design.


The last ice storm in March nearly did me in, so I packed up my car and headed to the Design Center in New York City. I mumbled something to my husband about a business trip but I knew I needed to feel dry pavement beneath my feet for a couple of days. Call it a mental health break from a long, endless winter.

The Design Center, a resource for interior designers and known to the trade as the D&D Building, is located on Lexington Avenue across from Bloomingdales. It is an 18-floor behemoth that is crammed with fabrics, trims, wallcoverings and accessories. It is, I am proud to say, my personal Mecca. You must be well rested, tote a generous supply of energy bars, and consume a Grande Starbucks at the outset, as it is not for the feint of heart.

I was on a bit of a mission. I recently found out from a fabric sales rep that Christian Lacroix designed a new line of fabrics for Designer Guild and I was anxious to see the entire collection displayed in large swatches. Ralph Lauren started the trend by creating a story for his models and then designing their surroundings as well. Other designers have followed his lead into the interior design world.

Lacroix brings his rich history of fashion design to this fabric line and knowing his background will help to understand the collection. His design is informed by growing up in Arles in the South of France. A sun drenched color palette and hints of the tradition of bullfighting, both great influences on his clothing design, peek around each corner. He is a cross over designer in so many ways, with his long history of designing for the Opera and theater. This can be seen in some of the detailing of the fabric finishes. To see some of his exuberant wardrobe designs, click through his website www.christian-lacroix

As a designer, I am thrilled to be able to explore the world of fashion, as it relates to home design. These intersecting worlds can enrich one another in fascinating ways. And the fact that Lacroix is French – Magnifique!