Tosca

Hello again! and Happy Vintage Wednesday! Once again, while exploring our store, I have come across another spectacular find! This time, a rare fabric by Designer Pierre Balmain. This vibrant, 100% cotton specimen was created by the designer exclusively for Fardis Designs in 1986. It flashes red, gold, fuchsia, and plumb, while depicting an image of layered swags and tails. Detailed, gold tassels and trims line the layers of the printed swags, making the fabric appear to have depth and texture. 

Looking at this fabric one may find it hard to believe that furnishing fabric design was not Balmain's main endeavour. The late Balmain studied architecture in Paris, was part of the French Air Force, and became a freelance sketch artist for Robert Piguet. He then grew to become the founder/director, Maison Balmain, in Paris, and Balmain Fashions, in New York. He has become one of the most well known fashion designers in the world. Balmain believed "dressmaking is the architecture of movement." His mission, as he saw it, was ''to beautify the world like an architect''. This idea is seen throughout his designs, and even relates to this specific fabric. 

Pop by Martin Hudson and Gibson to see what else you can find in our store :)

-Jordan Galuppi

Peony Gardens

This is my 4th month working with John at Martin Hudson and Gibson. Everyday, I discover fabulous treasures in our store. Today, as I was browsing through our archives, I stumbled across an alluring fabric; Peony Gardens from the Jasmine and Jade Collection, made by Greeff for Warner and Sons. Greeff, an American based designer, travelled worldwide seeking inspiration for all of his designs. Through his career, he brought out two collections a year, with this specific one dating back to the 1980's. Beautiful greens and blues with splashes of orange mix perfectly to create the organic pattern on this 100% cotton fabric. Searching further, I dusted off another stash, finding a meticulously stitched tablecloth from the same era, in a second colour wave of the Peony Gardens fabric. Pleated and piped, this tablecloth would have once covered a round chip board table. All the rage of the 80's! Come on in to see more of the beautiful vintage fabrics we have (and are still discovering!) in our store. 

- Jordan Galuppi