What in the world is a Suzani?  It’s the Central Asian equivalent of grandma’s heirloom quilt: handmade, handstitched, and handed-down. Suzan means “needle” in Persian, so imagine embroidery, elaborate embroidery. A wonderful, intricate craft,  a Suzani represent the best type of Central Asian art. Embeded  in centuries of tradition, each artist  interpreted a fresh new twist to an earlier pattern.

For over half a century, Jack Lenor Larsen has
held a preeminent position in this country as a
textile designer.

My fascination as a designer and appreciation as a textile lover is consummated with Larsen Textiles. They never fail to grab my attention and desire to share with clients who too love artistically rich fabrics.

The archive of the Jack Lenor Larsen textile company reveals time and again that the driving force behind this influential company has always been the principal that art need not be separated into high (or fine) art and low art (or craft).

The Larsen Design Studio creates  modern, artistic fabrics for interior use, yet their innovations with handwovens, batiks and fabrics in scale with modern architecture have changed the industry.

Artistic and technical explorations are the cornerstones that have kept the company on the front edge of the market for half a century.

Founded in 1952, Larsen’s first decade was a time of extraordinary growth and diversification. Initially known for their use of natural fibers and handwoven textiles, they soon learned to use power looms in ingenious ways to maintain the integrity of the design and meet the growing demand for their fabrics.

A Look at Larsen Textiles

The 1970s proved to be a decade of transition away from the boldness of the 50s and 60s to the subtle elegance of the 80s and 90s. After Larsen’s acquisition of Thaibok Fabrics in 1972, silk became an increasingly important aspect of their line. Larsen designers also explored the potential of extra-wide fabrics that could be used for seamless wall and window coverings.

Acquired by Cowtan and Tout in 1997, Larsen Textiles carries the Larsen tradition of technical innovation and design excellence into the 21st century. Casements continue to be an important part of the line, with an emphasis on the strength and elegance of linen and the possibilities of synthetic materials. There is a renewed interest in the design of wallcoverings to complement the fabric line.

For over half a century, Jack Lenor Larsen has held a preeminent position in this country as a textile designer. The“Larsen Look” was created, to a great extent, by the designer’s innovative experiments with sheer or reflective fabrics utilizing an understated palette of natural and neutral fibers: they were a perfect complement to the spare and restrained simplicity of modern architecture.

The hand and the eye of Jack Lenor Larsen are also intrinsic to all of his designs and his collections. “If we can learn to see with our hands and feel with our eyes as he does, we can more fully enjoy the creativity of the artist and the collector.” Jennifer Renzi http://nymag.com/homedesign/fall2007/39599/

William Kennedy, an art loving client and Facebook friend, recently shared his favorite photos of 2008. When I saw this image I was thrilled. You see, I love textiles in general and rugs in particular. When I discuss custom rugs with my clients I am eager to share how the process of rug making works and the design opportunities.  Sharing this photo of the natural dye pigments is an opportunity to show the beginning of the process. 

Necessary of course are  the sheep, llamas and alpacas who add the wool to combine with the dyes for yarn.  The yarns unite the artisan weaver and the designer to create motifs for the myriad designs.  Subtle variations in colors in combination with intricate designs result in richly vivid details. The themes and images deliver a treasured rug to be shared for generations.  

All the dye options you see in the photo are natural. Dyes like those shown in the photo are used by Peruvians to make textiles, belts, ponchos and wall hangings as well as rugs. Central to the heritage and customs of Peru are weaving and everyone weaves in Peru. The designs pass from generation to generation along with the techniques.  Thus rug and textile making is preserved for the future.

William, his wife and two sons, explored South America and this photo was taken in Peru. I asked William and his family to comment about their insights from visiting Peru and seeing the textile process. I hope you will enjoy hearing  their first hand impressions. 

Next, I asked  Brad Andonian, of Pande Cameron in Seattle  to join in as a guest blogger. Brad represents the third generation of family ownership of this highly regarded rug importer. With locations in Seattle and Bellevue, Pande Cameron proudly serves metro Seattle as a leading resource for fine imported rugs.