Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A STYLE COMEBACK: VERA TEXTILES

Whats old is new again. Vera Neumann, the legendary textile designer of the 1950's and 60's is having a small revival. With the strong resurgence of classic 60's and 70's prints from Lilly and Marimekko, it was just a matter of time. Her mantra, "art should be available to everyone" is a terrific one, and has inspired textile designers and magazine editors alike. Common themes were flowers, bright abstractions, and living things. Anthropologie, with their We Love Vera line, has gotten hold of some great scarf designs and created home items and clothing with charisma and charm. Then Macy's did some table linens. She went by Vera, just Vera, and she certainly had a sense of humor in her designs.


Little blue and white china teacups all in a row. The cups sit en masse in Teacup Alley. An Anthro exclusive.

Vera, The Art and Life of an Icon is coming out soon from Susan Seid and Jen Renzi.

The Louisa Settee has a multi blue and white linear watercolor effect. The fabrics are sewn together, seams showing.


A hand tufted silk and wool Ladybug rug with a single large bug. The bug is boss.


A Freckled Fish pillow in hot pink


Photos Courtesy of Anthropology
An easy breezy skirt reminiscent of 1950's Rome looks like a costume change from The Talented Mr. Ripley. The watercolor pattern of boats captures the essence of the good life.


An outdoor tablecloth for Macys can be wiped off lickety split.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I grew up with a neighbor who loved all things Vera. Vera wallpaper in the kitchen, family room and bathrooms. Bathrooms had matching Vera towels and my neighbor even painted the top of her toilet seat in the Vera pattern. I loved it all! Most of these papers had three to four colors and all the rest of the rooms were coordinated around it. As I went in adulthood, I quickly discovered that I prefer no more than three, maybe four colors in a room and I know this is because of my early design exposure to Vera. So glad to see a new generation discovering her and to my neighbor Mrs. Laycock, may you RIP.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

I say hooray. Loved Vera, and I have been waiting to see that settee pop up on a blog (thought it might be mine and still may) it is so fun and smart. great post and always with your finger on the pulse. pgt