Pamela Copeman » Blogfest 2012: Kravet Studio Tour

Blogfest 2012: Kravet Studio Tour

Jun 07 2012 · 0 comments · Behind the Design, Inspiration ·1

“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at thing in a different way .”

~Edward de Bono

Without a doubt, the highlight of Blogfest 2012 in New York City for me was the Kravet Studio Tour. When I begin a design project I always start with fabrics for inspiration. Naturally, on the morning of the Kravet Studio Tour I was the first one to arrive and secure my place on the first tour of the day. You can imagine what a thrill it was for me to have a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio where so many of my favorite lines are created!
The first studio we visited was the carpet shop. Look at this array of wool yarns ~ the colors are so pure and glorious.
This is a carpet sample that caught my eye~animal print of course. I can think of a dozen spaces this would be perfect in.
The next studio we visited displays Kravet fabrics that are available in showrooms across the country, I have used many of these and they are luxurious…The next stop on our tour really captivated me. Here we got a peek at custom fabric design. The designer starts with original artwork, in this case a pencil drawing. Using a sophisticated scanning process to digitize the artwork, the design is then tweaked and reproduced on either cotton, linen or a leather-like fabric.

The designer extraordinaire has created this “racing” fabric from these original sketches, isn’t it amazing? He was so proud to share his story, can’t you see it in his smile?In the Brunschwig & Fils area we saw architectural plans for a brand new showroom.
Here is a Studio wall filled with colorful Brunschwig &Fils fabrics.
Can you believe that once upon a time, this wood block was used to print this Lee Jofa fabric? So interesting to get a glimpse into history.
I felt right at home in this section of the studio. This small corner is where an artist paints designs for some of the fabrics. I would love to have this job for a week…or maybe even two??
Her desk is quite petite but somehow she makes it all work, such a delightful jumble!
Her creative corner…

Finally, no fabric line would be complete without fabric trim. Luxurious trim is a favorite accessory of mine when creating pillows and other accessories. Take a peek at this sumptuous trim book:
As you can see, the two floors of the Kravet Studio are jam packed with talent and creativity. Having been treated to this incredible tour, I will certainly appreciate the beauty in every fabric and textile I touch more than ever. Above all, I will think of all the people I met who take such pride in their creation. Thank you!