FINE FABRICS

Lisa Fine divides her time between Paris and New York. I first met her over breakfast, when I went to Paris to cover Les Biennale Fabric Fair for House Beautiful. She began her creative career at Mirabella Magazine by way of Texas, has a great eye for design, and has recently launched Lisa Fine Textiles fabric collection and clothing line. She tirelessly travels back and forth to India, meeting fabulous people and making lifelong friends along the way. Her adopted city of Paris welcomed her with open arms, she often has breakfast at Cafe Voltaire and brings her dog with her. No stranger to living well, her homes decorated with an eclectic global mix have run in Elle Decor and Domino.

Travels and inspiration led her to turn a creative itch into a reality, and she began by launching Irving and Fine with friend and former House and Garden editor Carolina Irving. Their billowy, embroidered Peasant blouses were quickly scooped up and carried at Charlotte Moss's now closed shop and other style emporiums.

She imparts her creative spark in all that she does. I recently caught up with her at a party, and I knew I needed to show her latest designs.

She shared, "I love the colors of India, Persia and Central Asia. Whether tonal or in contrast with an unexpected color, I never tire of the indigos or pinks.

Along with that, the textiles of India and Persia. Animals and flowers inspire, especially those seen on the borders of Persian miniatures. I have found a lot of creative influence in The Calico Museum in Ahmedabad and in the Lanvin bedroom in the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris. The flowers and animals from old 17th and 18th century Indian and Persian textiles work very well with the flowers and animals from the art deco murals by Rateau. My obsession with travel and research along with my love of adventure make the designing of textiles a source of never ending inspiration and fun!!!"

Her fabrics are carried at John Rosselli, Travers and Company and Hollywood at Home. The soft block printed florals, charming sprigs and small repeats are easy to use, since they add a dash of the exotic with subtlety.