There is a Cape Town based company called African Sketchbook that has a very innovative approach to fabric design that I thought you might enjoy hearing about.
This is their approach...
" Imagine that instead of choosing fabrics to fit your design, you were able to use fabrics born from the design itself.
In Cape Town there is a place where fabric is considered the focal point of décor and where stories are revealed with each new fabric design and production." (http://www.africansketchbook.com/)In 2003 a fabric designer and a consumer marketer came together and recognised the enduring value of custom design created by hand. Since then they have developed a team of highly skilled painters who do everything by hand.
But what sets them apart is not simply their hand work, but their entire approach to fabric design. Each fabric design job starts with two things: a story and a colour palette, two building blocks of great design.
One of their projects was the Cape Grace hotel which is based in the Waterfront which is a very popular tourist destination for travellers from all over the world. They use the fabrics to feature various aspects of South Africa's history and attractions from landscape to fauna and flora to architecture.
Another project they have worked on is the Hotel Chateau Sallandrouze – a luxury retreat deep in the French countryside, resting in the historical village of Aubusson, surrounded by the green hills and bubbling rivers of the Limousin, in the heart of France. This former home of a legendary tapestry family has now been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel. During the renovation, they came across original ownership documents, providing wonderful inspiration to create fabric that tells the chateau’s rich history.
I hope you enjoyed this little story about some wonderful South African talent and innovation.
Till next time
Sharon x
http://www.africansketchbook.com/