Istoria by Black Edition: Decorative Prints, Weaves & Embroideries

Grounded in centuries of global artistry and the enduring grandeur of tradition, the Istoria collection of Decorative Prints, Weaves and Embroideries pays homage to a rich tapestry of cultural influences whilst evoking a deep reverence for the past.

In crafting the Istoria launch, the Black Edition studio immersed themselves in a rich landscape of art, antiquities and time-honoured artefacts, drawing inspiration from enduring cultural legacies established in regions such as China, Central Asia and Ancient Greece to culminate in an enchanting fusion of visionary exploration.

The finished collection invites you to traverse through a captivating collection of enchanting prints, eclectic embroideries, sumptuous velvets and decadent weaves to encounter a launch which is rich in timeless artistry. Enduring motifs and resonant imagery are gracefully woven with symbolic influences, echoing the voices of diverse cultures through the ages.

A beautifully beguiling collection, Istoria recognises and reimagines centuries of rich cultural heritage with captivating designs that aim to create a lasting legacy.

Chimera - Jacquard Weave

A breathtaking design which takes inspiration from ancient mythology, Chimera depicts an array of fantastical winged creatures with commanding presence which take flight across an indulgent satin cloth, with ethereal clouds adding a dream-like softness.

This original hand drawn design captures the enchanting essence of three mythological creatures, each of which are unique in their characteristics and appearance whilst taking great influence from traditional symbolism. The design sees Chimera, a ferocious fire-breathing creature typically depicted as a lion with a goat’s head protruding from its back. In our design, it features the body of a puma, symbolising strength and power, and is adorned with wings to illustrate its fantastical properties.

The Lamassu, a mythical creature which was prevalent in ancient Mesopotamian culture, typically combines the body of a lion with the wings of an eagle, whilst the version depicted in the Chimera design features the head of a dragon.

The final creature, the Simurgh, is a majestic bird with an awe-inspiring presence, which bears some similarities with mythological creatures such as the phoenix and the huma.

An exquisitely intricate jacquard weave brings the creatures to life by showcasing the delicate nature of the original hand drawn designs in impressive detail. Presented in an enchanting colourway of antique bronzes, fiery coppers and rich chocolate browns, this decadent design makes a bold statement with expressive intent.

Ondra - Decorative Jacquard Weave

An enticing ombré stripe with traditional moiré detailing, Ondra exudes a timeless sense of elegance with sophisticated sheen. Inspired by antique silk textiles, a combination of intricate weave structures come together to form a finely woven jacquard with refined finesse.

The authentic moiré design is created by pressing two layers of fabric together through heated rollers in a calendaring process. Due to the pressure of the rollers compressing the weave in an irregular fashion, distinctive rippled patterns are formed with an appealing sense of sheen.

Timor - Embroidered Linen Blend

A captivating fusion of textures, Timor is inspired by modernist art and brings together a combination of crewel and satin stitch embroidery to create abstract oval shapes which sit on a linen blend ground. Presented in a palette of confident, contemporary colour combinations, the result is a striking visual statement.

Isenzo - Printed Jacquard Velvet

A charming Chinoiserie design with a unique contemporary twist, Isenzo takes us on a journey through traditional scenes set on a rich jacquard velvet. Printed with a striking flame-stitched chevron design in a vibrant palette of fiery oranges and vivid blues to create a bold upholstery weave.

Paying homage to the rich history of Chinoiserie, the Isenzo design combines ornate beauty with intricate craftsmanship and intriguing storytelling. Showcasing traditional Chinese motifs such as luscious imperial gardens where graceful birds take flight and exotic flowers bloom alongside elegant bridges and decorative pagodas, Isenzo depicts a serene scene of exceptional beauty where figures partake in idealistic activities such as flower picking and flute playing.

To create the textile, following weaving, the fabric undergoes digital printing, where the colour only saturates the absorbent velvet pile areas, leaving the ground untouched. The result is a dynamic interplay of colour and texture, where the flame stitch print flows across the raised pile, with unexpected pops of colour creating visual interest, while the subtle ground exudes a quiet sense of elegance.

Ebru - Printed Cotton Velvet

A striking, large-scale design, Ebru features a diffused ikat effect with intriguing linear detailing. Inspired by the traditional Turkish marbling technique of the same name which dates back to the 15th Century, this striking, statement design was originally hand painted on a textured strié ground to create diffused edges, mimicking flame stitching.

Tanira - Embroidery

A true textural delight, Tanira is a luxurious all-over embroidery which feels sumptuously soft to the touch. Inspired by intricate mosaics, matt and lustrous yarns combine irregularly to form a tactile design, rich in depth and dimension.

Zaida - Jacquard Weave

A statement geometric design, Zaida is crafted using a specialised fil coupé technique which sees cut yarns burst to create a dramatic fringing effect. Sitting on a fine strié ground formed from a unique combination of lustrous yarns, a complex sense of movement and interest is introduced.

Luzare - Jacquard Weave

An abstract design inspired by the traditional technique of flame stitching, Luzare is a decadent satin cloth with a sumptuously soft handle and drape. Delicate twists of colour diffuse through the weave to add an intriguing sense of textural interest.

Pigment - Printed Linen

A bold expression of contemporary artistry, Pigment is a distinctive abstract design with creative flair. Taking inspiration from the colours and shapes typically discovered upon a painter’s palette whilst demonstrating a daring approach to creativity, a flourish of artisanal brushstrokes flow effortlessly across an indulgently soft linen cloth to capture a dynamic sense of movement.

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By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Black Edition.