Anna French Introduces The Aria Collection

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house.

                                                ~Maria Callas

This week I had the privilege of attending an intimate presentation with textile and wallpaper designer Anna French and her son Jonathan. Held in the Ailanthus showroom at the Boston Design Center, Anna and Jonathan introduced Anna’s newest fabric line from Thibaut:  Aria.  Whereas Anna doesn’t make many public appearances this invitation-only event was truly a treat.

As you may know, an aria is a song within an opera.  For Anna, an opera lover, her Aria line is indeed a composition, not of music but of patterns and textures.  Aria represents an evolution in Anna’s style and design sensibilities.

Aria collection by Anna French

While bold patterns are still evident, there is a distinct overlay of subtlety.  Gone are the shocking bright hues of her last few lines, Wild Flora and Glamour.  Instead Aria features a more organic but still sophisticated vibe.

Anna French Aria: Stackhouse, Key Stripe, Spot On & Lanford

Anna sighted several sources of inspiration for the Aria line including nature, museums, open markets and documents (in this case a document being a historical fabric sample or remnant found at a flea market).  I very much appreciated the understated yet energetic feel of the Aria line which would work wonderfully in a variety of environments.

Anna French Aria: Salina Ribbon and Durham Dot

Throughout the line, beautiful textures including embroidery, velvet, madras and linen combine with fresh patterns with a luxurious and yet lively result.

Anna French Aria: Celia Vine, Spot On & Dyed Sack

It was a pleasure to meet Anna and Jonathan and hear about the nascence of the Aria line.  Each fabric has a story and it’s always interesting to hear that story directly from the designer!

Me, Anna French and her son Jonathan

xo,

Pamela

Share this!

Tweet