Curtain Call

ZEPEL

Zepel has introduced a sustainable collection to its high-performance range; the Eco collection is positioned as “an innovative and environmentally conscious addition to our brand.”  

“This suite of versatile and robust drapery fabrics is our introduction to sustainable design, offering textiles that are comforting, soft, boast luxurious textures, and have a natural aesthetic. These designs are additionally woven with recycled and organic yarns to support our vision towards sustainable practices.”  

These designs also highlight some key certifications that are intrinsic to our Eco label. 

The Organic Cotton Standard certification is awarded to goods that are guaranteed as containing organic content such as organic cotton. Based on the composition, the fabric is either awarded the ‘Organic Content Standard 100’ for fabrics containing more than 95% organic fibre, or the ‘OCS Blended – Organic Content Standard’ for fabrics containing between 5% and 95% organic fibre. Organic cotton has a lower carbon footprint, using less water, fuel and water during the manufacturing process.  

Global Recycled Standard is a standard of verification for companies to determine the recycled content of their fabrics. It ensures that corporate claims concerning recycled content of textiles are accurate and up to date. This standard is audited on an annual basis by assessing the production, trading, and manufacturing processes to ensure the recycled composition of fabrics is authentic.

ISO 14001 defines the criteria for an environmental management system. Designed for any type of organisation, regardless of its activity or sector, it provides assurance that the environmental impact of operations is being measured and improved. 

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a third-party independent certification that enables manufacturer’s to transparently document product safety and uphold a consistent standard of excellence. If a product is awarded this certification, it means it is completely free from harmful chemicals and safe for human use. 

Described as a standout from the Eco collection, Naturama is a softened, canvas-like, plain weave FibreGuard design. A clean, supple handle appeals to a relaxed, organic, and inviting aesthetic. Naturama is perfectly aligned with current trends in minimalist living. Its matte finish lends itself to a beautiful earth, neutral and sky filled colour palette. Naturama is made of 100% Eco components in 55% Recycled Polyester and 45% Organic Cotton. 

“Northstar is highly functional, dim out drapery composed from over 50% Recycled Polyester. Its striated, dimensional texture offers body and visual interest to both commercial and residential spaces. A sumptuous, full drape yields a completely high-end presence. Highlighting yarns in each colourway compliment lighting concepts and add visual depth. The range is available in 17 colourways, including a full spectrum of sophisticated emerald, denim, and natural hues.”

Meanwhile, “an elegant, dual-purpose chenille with inherent FibreGuard protection,” Rewind is the perfect choice for high use areas in residential and commercial settings. Rewind is made of 100% Eco components in 77% Recycled Polyester and 23% Organic Cotton. “Its subtle sheen and silky finish make for an excellent colour vehicle, with availability in rich shades of red, mustard and rust alongside ice greys and core neutrals. Rewind’s calming texture and easy-care properties are sure to provide long lasting comfort.”

“In the sheers category, Sunlight is a subdued cloth designed to soften and add ambience. An elegant, plain, wide width design composed from 100% Recycled Polyester, its sheer transparency allows for light to filter through beautifully. Sunlight’s texture feels soft and organic against the skin. Its extended colour offering of calming neutral and pastel tones has flexibility in mind, to suit any environment.” 

“At Zepel, we are focused on forward-thinking sustainability not only through textiles designs, but visible projects and actions including paper waste and plastic reduction, solar energy, and our digital services. This is just the beginning of our journey towards supporting circularity and fabrics manufactured with recycled and organic properties.” 

LUXAFLEX

Luxaflex has launched a curtain print collection comprising designs that define the outside world, from evocative coastal colourways to vibrant hues of the tropics. 

“Inspired by biophilic design, water impression paintings and botanical motifs, the print curtain collection delivers on the ever-evolving need for nurturing and wellbeing in our spaces.”

“For those who love to bring the garden into their homes and add a pure dose of harmony to their décor, the Luxaflex new prints collection, ‘Vintage Garden’ and ‘Fuji Canopy’, will add floral and foliage vibrancy to a space.” 

“With a selection of colours ranging from monochromatic blacks and greys to the sophisticated glamour of gold, as well as a choice of fabrics, such as luxury velvet, faux silk and linen, the floral options will add a pure dose of harmony to the room.”  

“For a Japanese-inspired floral, ‘Sakura Blossom’ is a print with delicate blossom flowers on a backdrop of silk, linen or voile fabric. The branch and blossoms of the print contrast with the subtle shade of the fabric creating an understated beauty and elegance.”

“An alternative to a floral print can be found in a colourful botanical-inspired print such as the Luxaflex ‘Yansu Tropics’ collection in bold colours such as black, green, gold and denim as well as muted shades such as duck egg and grey, which evokes a sense of bringing the tropical outdoors into your home.”  

“Or, if you like a touch of east meets west, the ‘Peijing’ range adds character and charm with its modern and bold colours of Zest green, Jet black and Indigo blue, or for a more traditional look, softer colours like Vintage and Powder, will add a true style statement.” 

“Moving away from florals and botanical prints, the soft, faded stripes of ‘Hansha’ an ombre design with a complementary tonal range from light to dark tones in pinks, greys, beiges and blues, is reminiscent of the styles seen in the ‘60s, whilst ‘Iro’ – a Scandinavian inspired geometric pattern, available in seven colour options, invites a playful look to window coverings.”

“For the whimsical, Tweets and Berries takes on a light and joyful vibe to any kid’s bedroom or playroom. The pastel shades create a delicate finish and speak to natural material and finishes, while the darker tones deliver a matured dressing to an otherwise younger room setting.” 

“For a more youthful vibe Cheeky Chirpies, a Scandinavian-inspired print that features illustrations of birds in five colour ways – Natural, Sky, Duck Egg, Blush and Mono, offers broad appeal, especially for a kid’s bedroom. From modern and unstructured to formal and sophisticated, the range of print options fits perfectly in any style of home.” 

SHAW

Shaw recently launched a range of new curtain sheers: all 3.2m wide with high quality weighted hem and manufactured in Europe. 

Mark Lewis, Head of Division at Shaw Performance Fabrics, tells WFA the fabrics were released to market in response to Shaw customers’ requests for a true matching roller blind and curtain sheer.  Shaw specifically chose three of its roller blind fabrics for this purpose.

Linesque: “the perfect solution for an elegant layering of a window with Shaw’s matching roller blind and curtain sheer program, giving a co-ordinated look throughout the home, using a combination of Linesque drapery, light filtering and block out roller fabrics.”

Iluka is 3.2m wide, with a quality weighted hem coordinated perfectly with arguably Shaw’s most familiar range Palm Beach. The contemporary colour palette of Palm Beach is matched beautifully with the Iluka curtain sheer. It’s an interior designer’s dream to be able to work with a complete family of products in Palm Beach light filter roller, block out roller and drapery sheer to complete the co-ordinated or layered look throughout the home.

Orora is 3.2m wide with a quality weighted hem, and is co-ordinated with the matching Orora FR 3.0m roller blind sheer. “This program presents a fantastic opportunity for the commercial or hospitality specifier to offer a more decorative look as both fabrics are tested to AS1530 Part II and Part III.” 

“Shaw sheers have a quality weighted hem, so manufacturers can take full advantage of the 3.2metre wide roll width when making long drop curtains. The fabrics have a carefully developed soft handle which drapes beautifully, and has ergonomic appeal in the sales environment.”

From a practical perspective, Shaw’s sheers are 100% polyester and washable with reference to WCCA standard 4. They are Greenguard and Greenguard Gold accredited, and tested to AS1530 Part II and III.

They are presented in an elegant hanger with every colour sampled in a large piece, so the retailer can clearly demonstrate the effect of the fabric against the window. 

“The layering of sheer curtains and roller blinds is on trend, whether to frame a small window or cover floor to ceiling glass, this combination of curtain and blind softens the appearance of the room, it is practical and gives functionality to control heat and light.”

In terms of colour trends, the company reports that current colours “are all about warmth whether in neutrals, or the under tone of darker shades.” 

“These foundation colours sit well against the accent colours of the moment; mustard gold, olive and clay red. Textures are organic and natural in line with contemporary interior design, set to continue into 2023.”

The growth in residential spaces being multi-functional has developed a great need for the control of heat and light while still have aesthetic appeal to fit with a design theme.

SILENT GLISS

Simon Meyer – Managing Director of Silent Gliss by Peter Meyer recalls how in 1980 Hoechst launched “a revolutionary, inherently flame-retardant textile fibre that does not burn or release toxic fumes.” 

“With this, the Trevira CS (Comfort & Security) was born.” 

Silent Gliss and Tessitura Mario Ghioldi saw the opportunity and quickly invested together. In 1981 Silent Gliss launched a fabric that was an industry first, Colorama 1 – a high-quality fabric for all window covering applications that is easy to work with and looks natural. 

“It was so successful that Silent Gliss and Tessitura Mario Ghioldi worked together again introducing the heavier, less transparent Colorama 2.  The success has been incredible, with demand outstripping production. Total production since launch has reached about 50 million square metres – enough to cover the entire globe. Always maintaining the highest quality standards, almost 40 years on – many have tried to copy Colorama, but none have managed to match the original.” 

“With this in mind, Silent Gliss is excited to bring customers the next iteration of this impressive curtain & blind fabric, woven from the original Trevira CS yarn and extended to offer further design and performance attributes including Multicolour, Acoustic, and Eco. 

“The Multicolour yarn gives you accentuated colour and texture – adding depth and dimension to your window furnishings without compromising performance. Colorama Acoustic is a stunning transparent fabric that absorbs sound and offers outstanding acoustic performance through the shape of the weave. The Acoustic fabric is also impeccably designed and retains a light and airy design aesthetic. Finally, Colorama Eco is a sustainable fabric made from 100% recycled polyester.”

The Colorama 2 really is a classic fabric that continues to offer endless design opportunities across all interiors. With design always at the forefront of Silent Gliss’ concept, the development of the new Colorama 2 paid close attention to key topics including acoustics and green building. It is particularly exciting to offer this fabric in Australia as it can be offered at a width up to 3.4m – the widest available in the Australian market!

“We are definitely seeing more windows being covered by curtains again, especially with the brainchild of Silent Gliss – the wave curtain – now being one of the most sought-after aesthetics people are opting for in new and renovated interior spaces,” Meyer tells WFA.

“He also notes a strong trend in favour of sheer curtain fabrics, with floor-to-ceiling sheers being a popular aesthetic for architects and designers. 

“Our recessed ceiling fit curtain tracks are particularly popular in combination with an array of sheer fabrics.” 

“Generally, we are seeing sheer curtain sales go through the roof. This is part of the reason Silent Gliss have expanded their sheer offering with eco-friendly options as well as specific acoustic options.” 

“We have also seen growth in Linen and Linen/Polyester blends. We are seeing clients wanting the soft sheer wave curtains combined with either blockout roller blinds or a double track with a sheer and a blockout curtain.” 

CHARLES PARSONS

Spring sees a number of new collections being added to Charles Parsons’ selection of sheer drapery.

“This is the most requested drapery type during the warmer months, and with one of them we’re taking a trip down memory lane. Our brand new heavy semi-sheer drapery fabric Fenwick is all about the texture. The soft bouclé effect adds stunning dimension to the fabric which gives a sense of 1970s nostalgia. 

“The natural feel and the range of neutral stone colours will complement a variety of colour schemes in both minimalist and maximalist interior settings for those who are ready to bring back the bouclé trend.

Another key trend this season is the natural linen look. 

“However, rather than working with natural fibres, we have taken this trend one step further and developed it from a 100% polyester composition, meaning easier care and a prolonged lifespan of the product. This is where our new ranges Lima and Ashburton come into the picture.

“Lima is an airy sheer drapery fabric that adds a rustic and natural feel to your décor. It has a beautiful variation of yarn shade within the weave, creating appealing changes of hue that highlight the distinctive texture, emulating a rustic, hand-woven cloth. 

“The linen impression of Lima lends charm to this lightweight fabric, including characterful irregularities for a true linen look. However, thanks to its 100% polyester composition and FR testing, Lima is suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.

“Then we have Ashburton, which is a textural tri-striped sheer with a beautiful organic look that is hard to resist. This nature-inspired, easy-care drapery fabric gives off a relaxed country style vibe that is suitable for everything from coastal to rustic interiors. The subtle yet effectual stripe adds character to your windows with a contemporary spin on a traditional style. Choose between six colourways in a pale, neutral palette with hues such as haze, flint, and sea breeze.”

In addition to new releases from Charles Parsons, the company has also seen an upswing in sales for its indent range Porter & Stone, a collaboration with one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of superior drapery and upholstery fabrics. 

“As the exclusive distributor of Porter & Stone in Australia and New Zealand, Charles Parsons is now able to cater for a wider clientele, showcasing new and exciting ranges from an offering of over 2,500 fabrics. These include versatile and eclectic collections of enticing prints, sophisticated weaves and innovative designs, which are very different from the classic Charles Parsons range.”

JAMES DUNLOP TEXTILES

Annie Moir, James Dunlop Design Director, tells WFA James Dunlop Textiles has launched its popular Cavalier fabric with a re-colour.

“First launched in 2011, Cavalier remains a constant within our top-selling draperies. This wide width sheer is predominantly woven in polyester to create the appearance and handle of fine linen whilst being able to withstand our harsh environmental conditions. This trusted James Dunlop Classic has been recoloured and reinvigorated within the design studio. 

“The new palette offers top selling neutrals from the existing colour line with the inclusion of fresh white, six new neutrals, duck egg blue, blush, ginger, deep moss, citrus based martini greens, a classic ink, and black. Cavalier’s updated palette borrows colours from Mother Nature, developed to form a visceral connection to our surrounding environment and elegantly frame the view within any home.

Meanwhile, inspired by uninterrupted panoramic vistas, where simple sheers frame the view. Seaview is our third release within James Dunlop’s Panoramic Collection, a growing offering of timeless extra wide sheers that respond to increasing architectural ceiling heights. 

“Woven at 350cm with a weighted selvedge and yarn dyed to emulate textured linen with the durability of being 100% polyester, Seaview was developed in the James Dunlop Studio and offers a curated palette of complex neutrals and fresh decorative mid tones, reflecting the colours of our coastline. 

“Woven in Turkey, Seaview meets fire retardant standards, ensuring this timeless and tactile sheer has endless specification opportunities for both residential and commercial application.”

Homespun is an organic, open weave sheer inspired by slow crafted homespun textiles; it is a nostalgic household essential for those from the rural heartland of New Zealand. With textured yarns capturing the appearance of linen and wool but woven in 100% polyester, Homespun is complex yet casual to complement the way we live in this part of the world. Nature informs this highly curated palette of warm neutrals and grounding greys to offer a tactile and practical sheer suited to both rustic and contemporary spaces.

Scandinese is inspired by the ‘Scandinese’ or ‘Japandi’ design movement which pulls reference from both Scandinavian and Japanese design with their shared appreciation of minimalism, craftsmanship, form, and function. Scandinese is a wide width open weave sheer expertly crafted to ensure its fine whimsical construction delivers stability for ease of manufacturing. Featuring a blended composition of polyester and cotton with a touch of linen and viscose for lustre; Scandinese showcases the soft tactility of luxury natural fibre with the durability and practicality of synthetic. Finished to create its smooth, soft handle and custom coloured in the James Dunlop Studio in an earthen palette of light neutrals and warm shades of blush, clay, and tobacco. Scandinese is an organic yet refined and highly sophisticated sheer, perfectly placed within rustic or contemporary schemes.

Element features a double cloth construction with intricate binding, Element is a heavy, complex semi sheer delivering accessible luxury. This technical cloth is reversible with complex colouration, resulting in a tactile window treatment that delivers vast decorative opportunities. Woven in Belgium in a predominately synthetic composition with 15% wool, Element has extraordinary dimension and texture whilst remaining highly practical. The custom colour palette is inspired by the elements of New Zealand; mineral tones sit alongside pigmented shades of terracotta, ochre, and rich olive, balanced by an extensive neutral palette. 

Botanist depicts a reverence for the beauty of botany. Referencing the artistic skill and intricate detail found in traditional botanical illustrations, abundant floral and fruit orchards are modernized through scale and contemporary colour. Screen printed in the UK onto a linen blend base cloth, Botanist is suitable for both drapery and light duty upholstery. Available in three decadent colourways; blush, moss, and sepia, Botanist feels both timely and timeless and is the perfect print to infuse a sense of modern nostalgia within residential schemes aiming to marry the new with the old.

Cavalier sits within the James Dunlop Classics collection as a product that stands the test of time. The catalyst for the James Dunlop Classics collection is to reinvest in our top selling upholsteries and draperies from within our existing stable. Recolouring, resampling, and relaunching the Classics to ensure they remain current for years to come. We work closely with the finest textile mills to develop custom colour palettes reflective of our Australasian lifestyle; colours to complement our natural surroundings. 

Moir explains that when recolouring a James Dunlop Classic, only the top performing existing colours will remain, reinvigorated with an injection of new trend-driven decorative shades developed in the James Dunlop Design Studio. 

“James Dunlop Classics is an ever-evolving collection that will continue to grow for years to come, because the Classics should never be overlooked. We appreciate that there is always an element of risk involved for our customers when they invest in a brand new product; so we hope they will love the ethos of the James Dunlop Classics; they know the product, they know how it makes up, they trust it. We are simply ensuring the palettes remain fresh and current.”  

“In New Zealand and Australia, we are lucky to have large architectural builds with large windows and often stunning landscape vistas. We need draperies that can frame the view and withstand our harsh UV conditions. As ceiling heights increase, there is more and more demand for extra wide sheers and draperies that can be hung continuously for a seamless installation. James Dunlop’s Panoramic Collection is a growing offering of timeless extra wide sheers woven at 350cm that respond to increasing architectural ceiling heights, the collection includes 100% polyester sheers with a weighted selvedge so you can really maximise the entire width in projects that require that extra height. Woven in Turkey and expertly developed to deliver on quality, value, and durability, the Panoramic collection allows for endless specification opportunities across both residential and commercial interiors.”

Homespun, Scandinese and Element all sit within James Dunlop’s new Homestead collection which seeks to pull the outdoors in through texture and colour. The draperies are transitional, they focus on tactility and dimension. These three draperies are sophisticated yet casual which very much suits the lifestyle we enjoy in our special part of the world. They have been woven to create a sense of movement, comfort, and privacy at the window, and lay the canvas on which landscape views can be appreciated as artwork within a space. 

“Cavalier, Seaview, Homespun, Scandinese, and Element all capture the look and feel of natural fibres, but they’re all woven in predominantly synthetic compositions – offering luxury without compromising practicality. Our fabrics are designed to be lived with and lived on, knowing they can withstand the harsh environmental conditions in our part of the world.” 

“The market is hungry for textured continuous sheers and we are seeing a trend towards a single product being specified throughout the entire house, creating design consistency in timeless neutrals that lay a foundation on which more decorative interior décor can be layered.” 

“In saying this we are also seeing a demand for the more fashion forward, confident colours and the rise of maximalism and pattern on pattern to increase visual optimism within the home post pandemic. We are also seeing demand for more open weave products such as Scandinese to add a point of difference to a space.”

Being able to deliver on demand through significant stock levels in our Trans-Tasman warehouses has enabled us to supply customers confidently in a time where supply across many industries has been volatile; this has created further growth within this category for the James Dunlop Group. 

In terms of colour and texture trends, she adds; “the way we see or perceive colour is directly influenced by light. In New Zealand and Australia we have extremely clean clear natural light which impacts on the way we see colour, the light almost amplifies it. When travelling in Europe, sourcing new constructions at trade fairs, we find colour palettes which look fantastic up there often look far too saturated back in our studios in our bright natural light. To compensate we need to pursue custom colour development with our mills – to grey off colours and create more muted, paired back hues for a slightly dusted off aesthetic, Scandinese is a wonderful example of this.

“We are constantly inspired by nature – by the colours and textures of flora and fauna. Within a relatively small land mass New Zealand’s landscapes are vast and dynamic– from volcanic rock and snow-capped mountains, to dense forest and riverbeds through to beautiful coastlines. James Dunlop’s new Homestead collection brings the colours of New Zealand into the home through our custom coloured textiles, Cavalier and Element are wonderful illustrations of this.”

“For the past decade, monochromatic, grey based neutral tones have saturated the market, but we now see a return to warmth as people seek comforting colours within the home. Tones of parchment, calico and cream have become popular as well as a resurgence of brown within the interior space, brown has returned from Banishment as people seek nostalgic, familiar colours. Homespun and Scandinese are great examples of this.”

“We’ve also seen a huge shift towards green within interior spaces, with Green being Nature’s neutral, green elicits a calming energy and helps to promote restful, grounding atmosphere within the home. Colour has the ability to completely transform a space, to change a mood and create ambience or atmosphere within a room. Colour can be calming and serene or statement making. We have seen a shift over the past 12-18 months on people embracing more joyful colour palettes. Cavalier new colour palette is a great example of this.”

“The concept of visual optimism is where people can create or cultivate joy within their visual environments through design and pattern or more commonly through colour,” says Moir. “Botanist is a wonderful example of this.”

MAURICE KAIN

Maurice Kain is an example of moves to address the fact that the textile industry is the largest contributor to landfill in the world, General Manager Michelle West tells WFA. 

“Now is the time for us to start, as an industry to address this issue where we can, and Recycled Yarn is the first step. Innovation is at the core of our values as a business, and over the last 18 months we have taken major steps towards increasing our recycled drapery product offering.” 

“We have seen a massive demand for ‘sustainable luxury’ drapery that both looks great and preforms to a technically high standard,” says West. “In 2021 we launched our first recycled drapery fabric called Rejuvenate where the yarn is made from post-consumer and post-industrial recycled PET products such as plastic bottles and packaging. Following the incredible positive response from the market, we developed and launched our second innovative recycled collection called Deserts and Forests earlier this year. 

“The demand has been overwhelming and we are definitely starting to notice a change in consumer preference when it comes to shopping intuitively for sustainable curtain fabrics” 

“We are now on track to release more recycled fabric collections in our drapery division over the coming 18 months. The next one due to the market is called The Re-cycled collection; comprised of Re-Vive, Re-Fresh, and Re-New. These embody a multitude of textures, bringing contemporary appeal to the world of sustainable fabrics. Re-Vive showcases a chunky thick weave; Re-New has a soft handle with a thick and thin effect, while Re-Fresh boasts a brushed surface. 

Each range is available in four neutral colourways, addressing the need for in-demand of neutral tones and shades. “We carefully chose colours that connected the home to its environment, with a soft sophisticated palette inspired by nature. All of them are joined by a more contemporary aesthetic, suited perfectly for the modern home,” says West.  “We look forward to bringing this collection to market towards the end of 2022” 

A new licensed range, Peter Rabbit is also being launched. “Peter Rabbit made his first appearance in 1902 in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Since then, Peter Rabbit and his stories have grown in popularity, shaping childhoods and imaginations. The Peter Rabbit series has sold more than 151 million copies in 35 languages. The illustrations, colours and characteristics appeal to diverse audience of age and personalities, making it a marvellous choice as a drapery and upholstery adaption” 

The collection features four unique and playful designs across two base cloth variations. Two Cotton prints at 140cm are carefully coordinated back to two printed sheer prints at 300cm. 

“With such a variety of beautiful, licensed illustrations to choose from, our designers were spoilt for choice, thus a collection of carefully crafted designs were developed. We love experimenting with various licensed prints and we see a massive gap in the market for a selection of contemporary kids’ curtain drapery fabrics.”

SEKERS

From the Sekers brand Estelle was added earlier this year to Sekers’ luxurious fabrics offering. 

A charismatic drapery fabric moulded from a Linen-Viscose base cloth, the design takes on a photo-realistic persona and is perfectly complemented through the use of a unique flower motif; modernised through a careful selection of colour, pattern, form, and a range of exclusive in-house artistry. 

“We had so much fun crafting this collection, and we believe it brings a truly unique offering to the drapery industry” says Product Developer Maya Vivian of Sekers. 

“The Linen component is naturally luxurious, combining a sophisticated range of attributes that make it a perfect soft-furnishings option; however, the magical element comes from the Viscose, which has been cleverly weaved throughout the foundation giving it a beautifully soft drape. 

The final result is described as a delicate balance of new and old; a dialogue between traditional and contemporary.

FILIGREE

Meanwhile Filigree is introducing the Libretto and Easton fabrics and a range of new linings, Managing Director Wayne Leslie tells WFA. 

“This year has been a big year for Filigree. We have upped our product offering and are consistently looking for new ways to offer a more diverse range of curtain products at an affordable price for the market.” 

“On the back of our very successful Odin 320 cm F/R sheer, we are introducing two additional 320 cm wide sheers in a similar price point, all with unique personalities and looks, and passing our rigorous drapery sewing tests, so they look sensational in an S fold or holding a pleat.” 

“We recently welcomed Libretto to our library of fabrics. Libretto is a beautiful textured sheer fabric across 16 trendy colourways incorporating a mix of soft pastel blues and blush pinks. Libretto delivers a clever marriage of neat function through its super-soft drape, and restrained beauty through its divine colour range. It is crafted from 100% Polyester and hangs at 320cm continuous. 

Leslie says function meets style in the new Easton Collection, due to be released shortly. 

“Seasons are fleeting, but Easton is an all year rounder boasting an on-trend, neutral colour palette including a range of Silver, Linen, and Ash tones. Easton is crafted from a strong Polyester composition. It bridges the gap in affordable curtain drapery for the fashion-forward household,” says Leslie. 

To celebrate the release of new lining colours, Filigree Twilight, Nightshade, Precision and Simplicity lining collections have come together to form a 4-in-1 complete lining solution. 

“Encompassing an extended colour line of 39 shades available across three base cloths in our most popular widths (150cm, 300cm, and our very new 320cm), The Complete Lining Solution has an option for everyone. 

“Each collection offers a super soft drape and handle and is the perfect lining for all our Filigree & Maurice Kain decorative fabrics,” says Leslie. 

Filigree, Twilight, Nightshade, Simplicity and Precision have all been stringently tested as Fire Retardant against both the AS/NZS 1530.2 & .3. Each collection is also backed by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, making them free of harmful levels of toxic substances and has a UPF rating of 50+. 

“With new colours in our very popular Simplicity, we have also now included Precision in these same colours and super soft drape but with the same flock finish that our customers know and trust. It has been a very exciting quarter for Filigree with these new releases.”

RICKY RICHARDS

During July, the team at Ricky exhibited at the Décor and Design expo in Melbourne, showcasing Bliss outdoor fabrics for the first time, following two years of lock downs. 

Bliss fabrics are exclusive to Ricky Richards in Australia and have been created by long-term partners, Citel Outdoor Performance Fabrics in Spain.

Meanwhile, the Albis outdoor curtain fabric is a part of the Bliss collection and is designed to allow filtered light through, while at the same time maintaining a level of privacy. Its appearance will complete an outdoor theme with pure elegance and assist with the weather staying on the outside.  

“Like all Bliss fabrics, Albis is 100% solution dyed acrylic and is the ideal fabric to make outdoor curtains or sheers in spaces such as pergolas, bungalows, garden gazebos, or Balinese beds. Albis is also suited for completing an alfresco area in a restaurant or to use as a divider between inside seating and out. It combines the highest technical features with the fineness, feel and quality of cotton.” 

Available in five colours, 300cm wide and supported by a five-year warranty, Albis is exclusively available in Australia from Ricky and is suitable for use with various types of curtain tracks.  

WORTLEY GROUP

Wortley Group is a wholesaler of high quality and wide width sheers that has been supplying the Australian market for nearly 70 years.

Ben Wortley – Managing Director, tells WFA the range is stocked locally in the company’s Melbourne distribution centre. “We ship Australia wide on a single wide width pole to avoid annoying folds or creases.” 

“Oeko-Tex certified safe and AS1530.3 flammability tested, suitable for commercial and residential window coverings, Wortley sheers are developed specifically for the Australian market. 

Presented in a transitional colour palette, harmonious neutral tones provide numerous options for a diverse range of interiors.” 

The company’s latest launch comprises three wide width sheers; Tiffany has a natural and organic appearance and is offered in a stunning palette of Ivory, Parchment, Linen, Silver and trending tones of Caramel and Navy. It is 300cm wide with a weighted hem and is 100% polyester.

Olivia is described as “a gently flowing sheer with a lovely drape,” finished using a crush technique to add further body to the curtain. Utilising contrasting yarns, Olivia has a slightly directional wave texture and is offered in Natural, Parchment, Charcoal and Onyx tones across seven options. It is 290cm wide with a weighted hem and is 100% polyester.

Nadia has a crushed effect combined with a narrow twisted yarn to create a lineal effect. This stunning product is offered in seven colours. 290cm wide, weighted hem, 100% polyester.

Sourced from select mills in Turkey, ranging from 300 to 320cm wide, all Wortley sheers feature a weighted hem for convenience.

WILSON FABRICS

Wilson Fabrics has launched two new blockout drapery ranges – Ayers & Palm Cove, Peta Fitzgibbon General Manager – Sales & Marketing tells WFA.

“These ranges not only work back as co-ordinates with our best-selling blind ranges Uluru and Daintree, we are also about to launch Whitsundays – a timeless Sheer that has been designed specifically with our Colour Flow concept bringing our entire blind and drapery collections together.

 “Like all of our core blind and blockout drapery ranges, our new collections are Australian Made, manufactured at our very own Mill in Wangaratta, regional Victoria.”   

Fitzgibbon tells WFA the sentiment in the market continues to see the increase in demand and the value added in buying Australian Made, “supporting local jobs and the economy of which we are very proud.”

WARWICK FABRICS

Warwick Fabrics has launched a number of new fabrics, Cam Warwick, Joint Managing Director, tells WFA.

The new releases are Bronte, Tomasso, Gianna, Angelo, Kimika, Mecca Kimika, Finley, Dual purpose Orion, Nasir, Medina, Harlowe and Soumakh. They are Oekotex certified, FR rated, continuous, self-weighted, 300cm width, with Heavy Commercial rating ideal for hotels and residential/commercial spaces alike.

The versatility of the palette of neutrals across Tomasso, Gianna, Angelo for a sheer quality creates a calming and timeless aesthetic that can be seamlessly integrated into interior spaces new and existing, Warwick says. 

“Sheers such as Kimika and Finley bring in a texture for a further sophistication, tactility, and rustic aesthetic to the sheer curtain qualities. For the more adventurous our dual purpose and Warwick Naturally qualities create pops of color in floral whimsy of Harlowe, Persian mosaic inspiration in Soumakh and bold luxury in the animal print collection Nasir.  

“The gorgeous, striped Bronte creates a sheer and coastal Hamptons style aesthetic, with a soft colour palette with subtle colour pops.”

“Driven by function, features such as continuous and wide width, as well as versatile and a usable colour palette, are key elements that fulfill the requirements for this type of drapery application. This category of drapery is foremost about performance; you need to take into consideration the look and feel and overall, how the drapery will sit, this will determine the fabric type, treatments required and suitability for the style you envisage.”

“For sheer drapery, neutrals still take centre stage due to their inherently timeless aesthetic. Drapery is not often replaced so it is key that the colours have longevity and are not based on trend driven palettes. 

“Subtle texture is a nice way to incorporate subtle visual interest into softer, muted tones. Highly themed or design specified interiors either commercially or in a residential setting can often garner a stronger colour palette or pattern to create a certain mood or feeling to the design.”  

Warwick has seen a steady growth in the sheers sector, he says, adding “we are seeing many of our customers who were traditionally only doing blinds, have now expanded their business into sheers.  I would attribute this to the business models of a lot of these companies adapting to the pre-made and made to order sector where the customers are installing for themselves.”

“Burano is still hugely popular, and Sicily, Montenegro and Genoa are popular in the polyester ranges.  We are also seeing success with 100% linen, with the likes of Portofino, Panay and Boracay from our Linia range. It’s an area of growth in the market that is needed and perfect for Linia and for the clients who understand linen in terms of quality – how it drapes and performs.”