MICHAEL S. SMITH TO CREATIVE DIRECT BRUNSCHWIG AND FILS FABRICS

 Photo courtesy of WSJ Magazine by François Halard Styling by Carolina Irving

It is not an understatement to say Michael Smith is a design wunderkind of sorts. He started his own firm at a tender young age and has gone on to design major homes for American titans of industry as well as the Obama White House. So it makes sense that he has recently been tapped to advise on Kravet's latest fabric house acquisition, the esteemed print - centric grande dame, Brunschwig and Fils.  As creative director, he will assist on brand direction, design, and archival mining, working alongside one of the creative fabric geniuses I adore, Stephen Elrod.  He will be doing this in addition to everything else, so it makes for one packed schedj. Smith's layering of textures and prints in his interiors, use of unusual rich/dirty color combinations (a good thing),  and primo antiques makes him someone we all watch for inspiration, education and elevation. He has created a covetable niche in color palette and print execution with his Jasper line, so I cannot wait to see what he cooks up with B and F! Stay tuned..

Photos courtesy of Jasper

Indian Flower in blue

Tree of Life in sage

Moghul Panel

Remy in brown

BRUNSCHWIG AND FILS HAS A NEW HOME IN THE KRAVET FAMILY

Their Bibliotheque wallpaper is a classic, seen here in a project by Nina Campbell

Thank goodness! I must admit I was worried there for a minute. When I heard Brunschwig & Fils had declared bankruptcy I was distressed-- would some giant company swallow up all the beautiful prints they are known for and liquidate? I am happy to report this is not the case, as Kravet has come out the successful bidder, buying Brunschwig from the Peardon family. We can feel good that Kravet, a superbly run, family - owned company, will play to the strengths of the B and F legacy. The Kravet's takes the helm late March, as the brand joins their stable of companies, including Lee Jofa, and GP and J Baker. What would I do if my favorite Zebra stripe linen was gone? What is your favorite Brunschwig print?