Donghia x Artistic Tile
Known for its Italian-inspired textiles and upholstery, Donghia is bringing its retro feel to new parts of the home in its latest collaboration with Artistic Tile. “We thought their patterns and designs would translate well to tile,” explains Zachary Epstein, president and chief product officer of Artistic Tile. “Looking through the Donghia archives, there were many patterns that spoke to us.” Drawn to those with an elegant ’60s vibe, the team selected two heritage designs—Decadence (above), a refined demilune, and Donghia’s signature Casino Royale (below) with lantern-like shapes that have been oversized in this tile incarnation. For the material, the team opted for mosaic tile in natural stone. “The colors have a warmth and softness that relates to the original fabrics, and mosaic tile has an old-world charm that expresses the patterns in a way befitting of their heritage,” Epstein says. The timeless craftsmanship of mosaic offers a striking contrast to these highly graphic patterns, making for tiles with a bold, stylish appeal. “Donghia inhabits a rich intersection of style and culture, and is known for its seductive glamour,” Epstein adds. “We’re excited to see these patterns live in spaces they never could as fabrics.”
Samuel & Sons x Elizabeth Ashdown
Once the adornment of royalty, today the art of passementerie is available to one and all. This heritage craft of elaborate trimmings—like tassels, braids and fringes—dates back centuries, and Samuel & Sons is one of the few companies continuing the intricate art form. For their collaboration with London-based Elizabeth Ashdown, the company sought to celebrate the passementerie artist’s proclivity for punchy colors and modern patterns, a vibrancy embodied in the collection’s name: Kaleidoscope. “Collaborating with Samuel & Sons felt like a natural evolution,” Ashdown says. “It was an opportunity to push the boundaries of what decorative trimmings can be while celebrating the artistry and tactile beauty that makes passementerie so special.” With every piece representing hours of meticulous handwork, each cord, braid and fringe in the collection is a colorful work of art. And while the craft itself may be ancient, Ashdown’s collection is decidedly modern, with playful pompoms and geometric cretes finding expression in brilliant primary colors. “I wanted to showcase its potential to transform a space with bold, contemporary flair,” she explains. “It’s about creating a meaningful connection between art, craft and everyday life.”
