What is TR looking for?

Textile Republic is calling all artists and designers to submit new and edgy, distinctive and bold repeating patterns that you envision printed on our home accessories and fashionable merchandise. Prints and patterns are identifiable markings seen on an infinite number of objects and textiles throughout the world. Patterns at the least, can delight, and at the most, express and satisfy psychological needs. Patterns range from simple stripes, dots, checks and swirls to richer and more complex leaves, flowers, geometrics, and arabesques. Patterns are able to convey many things: scenes and narratives, emotions and even abstract concepts. They are able to bestow symbols and convey messages, which give clues to a culture and people.

One of the most influential and innovative designers to come about in the past century is the American, debutante, interior designer, Dorothy Draper. She brought big, bold, beautiful patterns into everyday life, on chairs, walls, and interiors. She had a unique art deco, bordering on neo-baroque style and her influence can be seen on many of the designers that we admire today.

Some prominent designers today that often incorporate bold, graphic patterns into their work include, Pucci, Missoni, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Burberry, Etro and more recently Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Neumann, Vera Bradley, Jonathan Adler, and Tory Burch. Their work is similar in that they all focus on fashion and merchandising, though it is also diverse and no two are the same.

Pucci, known as the “kingpin of textile reinvention,” has a distinct colorful, psychedelic feel. Missioni is known for their zigzag pattern and Louis Vuitton for the quatrefoil.  Hermes and Ralph Lauren are recognizable for their classic equestrian themes, exotic animals, old world, regal icons with a nautical mix, mythology and scenes of history. The two Vera’s are known for bright, colorful, whimsical, floral patterns, Jonathan Adler and Tory for their rich jewel tones and geometrics.

Here at Textile Republic, we too are inspired by all these designs and also:

Geometrics, ikats, equestrian, regal, chinoiserie, baroque, and toile with a twist; Staffordshire statues, bits and buckles; zig-zags, chains, bamboo, Floridian, nautical, animal, Marrakesh, with a glimpse of classics such as: stripes, trellis, houndstooth, basket weave, bamboo, chevron, checks, dots, corals, florals, tropical, quatrefoils, damasks, plaids, stripes, dots, swirls, paisleys, ikats, ogees, octagons, hexagons, lattice, herringbone, medallions, diapers, and scroll-work.

We like an old world feel in search of an exotic, classic print. Think Dorothy Draper and Lilly, meets Hermes meets Charles Faudree.