Fabric designer and stylemaker Michael Devine produces some of the best printed linen designs on the market, available through John Rosselli here in New York. Recently I received a swatch in the mail, with a note from Michael informing me that he had named a print ‘Charlotte.’ Well, flattery aside, a gorgeous pattern cannot be denied – it is simply DEVINE!
We caught up with Mr. Devine in his garden upstate this summer and have enjoyed our moment in the sun…here’s a quick Q&A:
CAM: Charlotte is a different type of design for you…can you give me a little more…… What drew you to a print?
MD: I was really taken with the gracefulness of the design and its boldest. Many of my patterns are geometric and this one is floral so it’s really a departure from the rest of the collection. I think my garden is having a growing influence on how I see design.
CAM: Pagodas…I have a pagoda as my company logo, you have a fabric…what attracted you? Talk a little about your love of chinoiserie.
MD: I have a passion for chinoiserie. Both fretwork designs and pagodas. They are so classic and chic, but at the same time can be really fun and very today by just changing the colors. I think I got my first feel for pagodas many years ago when I was studying art history and saw 18th Century interpretations. They were so whimsical and joyful – I knew immediately I was a devotee.
CAM: How would you describe your palette?
MD: My palette range is a reflection of the colors that I love. Since the fabric is printed to order, and it’s so easy for designers to change the colors on a whim, the palette is limited only by one’s imagination.
CM: Top sellers?
MD: Fretwork, Gramercy, Petite Fleur and Dottie are a few of the top designs that have stood the test of time.
CM: How many us showrooms in the US? Europe?
MD: I have four showrooms in the US and a road group that represents the collection. I am in London, Paris and Madrid in Europe.
CM: Talk to me about blogging….
MD: I have been blogging for a couple of years. It’s a wonderful platform to share ideas and inspirations.
CM: We love your products, too. They go with everything and everywhere, from the front hall to the terrace. Speaking of that – and doesn’t everybody need an extra tray for Labor Day entertaining?
August 19, 2011
