Susan SchultzBecause High Point wrapped up in late April, you’ll have to wait for the July/August issue of Window Fashion VISION to see what the fabulous Trim Queen, Jana Plantina Phipps, found most captivating at market. In the meantime, I wanted to share one significant trend, with some variations.
Change the Channel
Traditional diamond tufting has been replaced in High Point showrooms with channel tufting in both vertical and horizontal versions. With its references to ’70s disco glam (think Ligne Roset’s Togo sofa) as well as 1940s “nightclub society” (think channel-tufted banquettes), this treatment combines retro, modern, and contemporary in surprising ways. It provides solid fabrics with understated texture and brings a geometric element to even the most basic shapes.
At Sunpan, channel quilting was often paired with some interesting edge detailing, such as this headboard with a contrasting ladder stitch on the returns,
or this sofa with flat leather cord insets on the arms.
Bernhardt Leather featured several examples of both vertical and horizontal channel tufting, showing this sofa in several different colors,
while white pearlized leather dining chairs made for a striking setting.
A Jamie Drake sofa from Theadore Alexanderuses shallow channel tufting on the back to create subtle shadows that emphasize its clean lines.
Piece it Together
Sectional or pieced looks were also on the rise, teetering between quilting and tufting techniques.
Nathan Anthony showed a lot of these looks, both in traditional button tufting, channel tufting, and in more unique interpretations such as this puzzle-pieced sofa
or the swooping lines on this club chair.
And how about this trifecta of looks, from the curved tufting on the headboard, the radiating line on the settee, and not-quite-deep, not-quite-shallow button tufting on the stool.
A geometric-pieced leather headboard from Bernhardt.
The Steve Leung collection for Theodore Alexander was a new launch and there were several amazing techniques used throughout to tie the pieces together. One was this signature quilting pattern used in leather on the doors of the bar cabinet and the headboard.
And while perhaps not a quilting or tufting technique, this concept of a split and shaped leather “shell” to surround upholstered seating was one of the most unique looks I spotted at market.
Buttoned Up
In a further move away from deep button tufting, there were several examples of supremely simple button embellishments.
A louche, narrow-armed chair fromJulian Chichester, the luxe expanse of stormy gray velvet is detailed only with two buttons at the base of the curve.
A set of twin headboards (only one shown) atMr. Brown London, where a single button provides emphasis against the textured gold background.
A loveseat at Global Views, where the single row of buttons complements the dramatic pillows.
A final piece from Theodore Alexander (what can I say, they were on FIRE this market!), where another single row of buttons is the only upholstery detailing.
Next month I’ll feature a mixed bag of some of my favorite finds from market, heavy on the trimmings!
