By Allison Zisko
Designer Sandy Chilewich, partner in Chilewich-Sultan, was thinking optimistically when she created the spring table-linen collections that debuted at this winter’s gift shows.
The company’s introductions are bathed in bright color, pulled together by large prints and big graphics. It is a hopeful, cheery collection. “I’ve never done so many bright colors,” Chilewich said of her new placemats and runners. “The prints are the glue that tie the collection together.”
Chilewich, known as “the queen of vinyl,” continues to evolve the medium. This new collection, which includes the Swirl and Brushstroke (striped) patterns, was executed on vinyl that has a canvas-like texture for a more painterly effect.
Chilewich also showcased a new pressed-vinyl collection of mats and runners that take their inspiration from faux lace. This modern interpretation of lace, in six colorways, brings the Chilewich name to a new tier of retail. The pressed-vinyl line retails for half the price of Chilewich’s woven collections. For example, the placemats retail for $13 (compared to $12 to $20 for the woven designs), while the runners are $28 at retail (as opposed to $44 to $75). So far, the pressed-vinyl line is being offered through Chilewich’s existing distribution, and a special fixture has been designed for it.
Chilewich has also expanded her line of linen napkins, adding a double-linen design in which two napkins of contrasting colors are stitched together. They retail for $24 apiece.