Toile Newsletter 2011 – Editor’s Notes

Aside from the usual array of new linen introductions at both the NYIGF in New York and the Maison&Objet in Paris, the real buzz was on the changing demographics of the luxury consumer and their changing habits. The implication here is that there has been a downward shift in the median age of buyers. Is this the case?

Younger clients have clearly different consumer behavior and are completely integrated with technology. This new way of communicating impacts us all. The internet has opened up the world of design and the access to products is unprecedented. As retailers and designers in home décor, the need to adapt web based outreach is more important than ever. The younger consumer is looking for brands that offer consistency and value , while also delivering on social responsibility.

As Sferra’s Mr. Schneider states, the new consumer is more inquisitive than ever. They want to know all about a product and to share and discuss with their friends. Friends opinions count, and they also want it fast.They are concerned about the environment, they want product knowledge they will do the research. Brand is important but more for what it represents in terms of price quality ratio and price is not always the deciding factor. But service and experience are.

This presents opportunities as well as challenges. Understanding Social media and how it can impact your business is vital for tomorrow’s success.

This article also appeared in the Toile Newsletter, Fall 2011

Judi Fried

“Achieving the results of successful design, is understanding the needs of the client with regards to the dynamics and mood of the space. In most cases, clients know what they don’t want….my goal is to direct them to acknowledge what they do want. My background as a fashion designer has played an important role in creating the play of textiles, proportions, ….ultimately to ate the “total look”. I love to mix it up, throw in a bit of the unexpected!”

As a designer, I am always thrilled to see the transformation from the photo in my mind to three-dimension form.

This article also appeared in the Toile Newsletter, Fall 2011

The most accurate way to measure is to measure from the center of the box-spring, the width and then the length. Because the corners are rounded on the box spring, that is why you measure closer to the center. As for the drop, take the tape, (careful not to push too hard on the box-spring), then measure to where you would like the bed skirt to sit, breaking on the floor or be flush with the floor.

This article also appeared in the Toile Newsletter, Fall 2011

The word “ikat” means “to bind.” It is a very ancient way of creating designs in fabric by resist-dyeing the threads before the fabric is woven. In Thailand, villagers take the weft (crosswise filling threads) and tie tiny bits of plastic onto the threads. The tightly tied areas of thread, when put into the dye pot, resist the color and create a pattern, once the plastic ties are removed. Traditional Thai ikat cottons are often indigo-dyed in lively and engaging motifs representing the village life and beliefs of the people. Modern Thai ikats in cotton and silk are brightly colored with good imported chemical or natural dyes.

This article also appeared in the Toile Newsletter, Fall 2011