By Rebecca Younger www.gethampshire.co.uk
IF the latest trend for fashion designers branching into homeware is anything to go by then interior designers may want to watch their backs.
Not content with catwalk collections and rich and famous clients, fashion designers are increasingly branching out by bringing their signature style into the heart of our homes.
From Matthew Williamson, who has recently joined the likes of Betty Jackson and Julien Macdonald to design an interiors range for High Street department store Debenhams, to Jean Paul Gaultier, who has just joined forces with contemporary furniture house Roche Bobois, they all seem to be doing it.
Among the fashionistas stepping into interiors are those who have embarked on design projects for hotels, such as Hotel Maison Moschino in Milan, Dubai’s Hotel Armani and most recently here in the UK, Diane Von Furstenberg’s collaboration with Claridge’s.
Earlier this summer, the legendary designer unveiled the first of a series of suites she is designing for the landmark hotel.
Known for her inspiring catwalk collections worn by celebrities across the globe Diane, who has been a loyal guest of the hotel for 30 years or so, will bring her signature style to a total of 20 rooms and suites.
Diane, who is famed for introducing the knitted jersey wrap dress in the 1970s, said she wanted to bring her own hip style to the rooms, while preserving the Art Deco heritage of the hotel.
“Claridge’s is the most glamorous hotel in the world. Hotels like this don’t exist anymore and the legacy must be respected,” she said. “It is very important to keep the original architecture and the formality of the layout of the rooms in order to preserve the old style of grand hotel life that I love so much.
“It has been a true privilege to design new furniture, fabrics and rugs to keep it relevant for today’s needs and taste.”
Diane has designed the rooms in collaboration with interior decorator Olivier Gelbsmann. Each guestroom boasts beautiful contemporary prints, Chinese florals and animal patterns, complimented by Diane von Furstenberg custom-designed cashmere
blankets.
The furniture including dressing tables, travelling trunks, desks and a cocktail bar, have all been inspired by her travels to places like Italy and the Middle East.
The wall coverings and upholstery are in fact part of her exclusive textile collection, which is available to buy from this month (September).
It’s perhaps a logical progression for fashion designers to have a go at interiors, particularly as an increasing number of us are no longer restricting designer lifestyle to within the confinements of our wardrobe.
But what about the other way around? Ted Baker recently bucked the fashion designer turned interior designer trend by collaborating with Nina Campbell.
When looking for inspiration for his own home,he enlisted the help of Nina and the seeds of a partnership were sown.
The new collection is built around a signature Nina Campbell Orchard Blossom print used on wallpapers and fabrics in the home. So it may be time for the kings and queens of the catwalk world to watch their backs too!
Get the DVF look at home
Want to inject some of Diane von Furstenberg’s catwalk style into your own home? Follow these tips…
- Mix brightly coloured animal prints with monochrome.
- Don’t be afraid of colour, clash bright pinks and purples with garish yellows. If it gets a little too much use black as a base and then work the look with colourful accessories, such as cushions, throws and lamps.
- Traditional and contemporary furnishings can work well together and often compliment each other. Try using ornate mirror frames and vintage tables or chests to break up a more modern look.
- Get inspiration from your own travels to add a unique style to the room.
- For more information about the DVF guestrooms and suites at Claridge’s telephone 020 7629 8860 or visit www.claridges.co.uk.
