It used to be that if you wanted the best look you often had to give up some performance qualities, but modern advancements in fabric technology have changed that. These textiles prove that you don’t have to sacrifice form for function.
Rhyme & Reason
Carnegie’s new Rhyme & Reason upholstery collection is a perfect blend of rich texture and reliable endurance. Inspired by the Parisian ateliers that weave Chanel’s iconic tweeds and plaids, the new line features six sophisticated patterns suitable for a variety of luxe settings: Bijoux, Dapple, Junction, Reverb, Sonata and Sonnet.
“When designing the Rhyme & Reason collection, I drew inspiration from my time in Paris, and thought back to the materiality of couture fabrics from ateliers I visited,” said Chase Taylor, studio director for upholstery fabrics, Carnegie. “I wanted to find a way to translate those delicate textiles into high-performance textiles for interior spaces. As a result, each pattern within the Rhyme & Reason collection achieves this perfect blend of rich texture and reliable endurance—an ode to haute couture and a continued dedication to performance excellence.”
A flamé velvet with a subtle sheen, Bijoux is a timeless fabric that offers a luxe finish through 12 rich colorways. Suitable for upholstery, drapery and panel applications, Bijoux is finish-free and can withstand 100,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek scale.
Delicate flecks of color embellish a plush velvet base, giving Dapple a gentle abstract effect. The fabric’s subtle luster embodies an elevated look, suitable for high-end environments. As durable as it is elegant, Dapple can withstand 100,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek scale and is offered in four chic colorways.
Pops of vibrant color accentuate a network of dots on Junction, a bleach-cleanable fabric suitable for both upholstery and panel applications. Made of 53% post-consumer recycled polyester and 47% polyester, Junction is available in seven colorways and can withstand up to 60,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek scale.
Colorful stitches trail across the surface of Reverb, a modern twist on a traditional plaid pattern. Available in seven dynamic and muted colorways, Reverb is bleach cleanable and free of added finishes. The fabric can withstand 100,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek scale and is HHI compliant and Kaiser Permanente approved.
Part of Carnegie’s affordable Elements line, Sonata is an ultra-plush fabric that is resistant to any marks—perfect for high-traffic spaces as upholstery or panel applications. Offered in 16 versatile colorways, Sonata is HHI compliant and Kaiser Permanente approved.
Sonnet is a plush upholstery fabric created from a blend of soft chenille and bouclè yarns, offered in eight classic colorways. The fabric can withstand up to 80,000 double rubs on the Wyzenbeek scale and has a PFOA-free stain-resistant finish—ensuring Sonnet will stay as timeless as it looks.
Supreen
Supreen, a new performance fabric from Nassimi, tackles the spills and stains of everyday life without compromising high-end design, sustainability or materiality. It brings cutting-edge woven and coated technology to create a unique liquid-barrier textile with a soft hand that offers impressive upholstery options.
“Supreen brings together the best of different upholstery product types, all of which we’ve gained experience in over many years,” said Iwan Nassimi, EVP, Nassimi. “At its heart is a soft, supple performance fabric, that is combined with a silicone layer that is embedded into the fiber of the material, as well as a polyurethane layer that provides a total liquid barrier. We tinkered for several years to bring these different product technologies together and were able to create a new upholstery material that elevates both the performance and aesthetic appeal.”
Rider, Tailor and Wend
Fashion meets function in patterns Rider, Tailor and Wend from Designtex.
“For this collection, we wanted to bridge performance and sustainability while not sacrificing style,” said Sara Balderi, principal designer, Designtex. “The designs themselves nod to bespoke textiles but with amped-up durability and cleanability and no PFAS, flame retardants and antimicrobials.”
Rider and Tailor are both made of polyurethane, while Wend is polyester, making them durable and suitable for the boardroom, the dorm room, the emergency room or the dining room.
