Simple forms can lay bare profound beauty, and it’s this awareness that inspires ‘Design Travels,’ the latest collection of Sunbrella® fabrics by Joe Ruggiero, set for introduction during December Showtime in High Point.

“The simplest form can become a piece of artwork – a stone or shell, the twist of fabric on the fashion runway, or something you’d see in a museum,” Ruggiero said. “Design travels throughout the world, in traditional and new global contexts, and it can travel into homes across the world.”

In Design Travels, Ruggiero introduces nine new patterns:
Crisscross
With a hand inspired by Italian silks, the pattern in Crisscross is reminiscent of the borders in Italian frescos and architectural friezes. Its simplicity calls to mind the elegance of an older time. Crisscross is available in five colors: Capri, Jade, Mineral, Sangria and Stone.

Kingston
Calling to mind the tradition of woolen English sporting clothes, Kingston presents a menswear-inspired check featuring color depth. Kingston is available in nine colors: Char, Chive, Currant, Denim, Emerald, Indigo, Juniper, Papaya and Smoke.

Kuno
Inspired by Japanese tie-dyes and the ancient art of indigo dyeing, Kuno’s simplicity of pattern recreates a rustic, handwoven construction, including the imperfections of something that is hand-dyed or hand-woven. Ruggiero said, “Kuno has a wonderful, soft texture, and with its naïve dot patterns, it can be either traditional or contemporary.”
Kuno is available in seven colors: Azure, Blush, Indigo, Lagoon, Meadow, Mineral and Stone.

Mankato
“I came back to the influence of the Ikat, one of the earliest techniques of tie-dye in the world, for the primitive eye design in Mankato,” said Ruggiero. Harkening back to the textiles of ancient India, Indonesia and Japan, Mankato is available in seven colors: Azure, Indigo, Lagoon, Meadow, Mineral, Pebble and Stone.

Medford
Blending the traditional French inspiration of 15th century floral tapestries with a more contemporary comfort, Medford revives the simple elegance of the Loire Valley. Medford is available in four colors: Capri, Indigo, Pebble and Stone.

Mosaic
The repeating patterns of Mosaic unfold the architecture of Spain’s majestic Moorish palaces. These mesmerizing mosques and towering fortresses inspired Mosaic’s simple but artistic motif. Mosaic is available in five colors: Indigo, Jade, Mineral, Sangria and Stone.

Quilted
Medieval knights who wore jackets of quilted materials close to their skin under mesh and mail inspired the classic diamond pattern of Quilted. With an incredibly soft hand and textural quilted surface, it conjures a time-honored style, popular in fashion and upholstery. Quilted is available in seven colors: Ash, Char, Dove, Indigo, Parchment, Storm and Wren.

Traction
“There’s nothing better than a classic stripe,” Ruggiero said. “Traveling through the South of France, they are everywhere: bags, espadrilles, awnings, beach chairs.” In refreshing colorways inspired by soft waves and sands, Traction brings to mind days lounging near the Mediterranean Sea. Traction is available in six colors: Coast, Fiesta, Meadow, Nautical, Nectar and Sangria.

Vines
Taken from an ancient floor tile outside Madrid where Roman nobles and generals spent retirement days, Vines’ purely organic design is smaller in scale – almost a stripe with a dash of whimsy. Vines is available in four colors: Capri, Indigo, Pumice and Stone.

“Design in all of its forms travels throughout the world,” Ruggiero said. “There is a great exchange of design across places and cultures. I look for its potential to fit into upholstery, draperies, lighting bedding…I like to see it travel into people’s homes.”

www.joeruggiero.com
www.sunbrella.com