Even as a child, I was familiar with Fortuny. It was something about which I heard adults, including my parents, the family decorator, and others, discuss when the topic of houses and decorating came up. Fortuny was spoken of with great admiration, not to mention a Southern accented, drawn out second syllable. For-tooooh-nee.
Now as an adult, I too have an admiration for this venerable fabric firm, especially now that brothers Mickey and Maury Riad are heading the firm. It's nice to see the duo freshening things up a bit, something that seems to be winning them fans amongst a new generation of designers. And what about their new line of tableware and accessories that was created in conjunction with L'Objet? Fabulous!
I just got a peek at the new book Fortuny Interiors
Take a look below for a little taste of the book. I think that no matter how you pronounce Fortuny, you just might find some inspiration in this book.
If you live in Atlanta, L'Objet pour Fortuny can be found at Owen Lawrence.
Photographs by Erik Kvalsvik from Fortuny Interiors by Brian Coleman. Reprint permission by Gibbs Smith Publisher
In the 1960s and 70s, when Fortuny fabrics were known across the U.S. more in historical than contemporary terms, decorator Kenneth Kimbrough made Memphis a center for the revival of the luxurious cotton fabric. His firm was the company's biggest customer at the time, a distinction that was rewarded by a much-heralded visit by Countess Gozzi herself. Although farming in the Delta is not what it once was, there are still sprawling ranch style houses with upholstered walls and curtains in yards and yards of temptingly still-fresh Fortuny fabric in classic patterns and colorways.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe there is a little extra added in Southern pronunciation, but it is the second syllable that is emphasized, I am assured.
Ahh be still my beating Fortuny heart + will want that book. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteoh my!!! this is on my list for sure!!!
ReplyDeleteJoni
Joni, this book looks right up your alley!!!
DeletePerfection for all of us textiles lovers.
ReplyDeleteManufactured in Venice, Italy, textiles by Fortuny have borne the standard of quality and excellence for a hundred years. For walls, sofas, pillows, draperies, bed coverings, tablecloths, and even napkins, the sumptuous art of Fortuny textiles has been decorating old world and new world homes for generations.
ReplyDelete