Crafting Legacies: Métaphores and Le Crin Weave a Tale of Textile Mastery
Last week, our showroom had the privilege of hosting Métaphores from Paris, who unveiled their latest collection while delving into the rich history of the company. This provided an exceptional opportunity to gather some of our talented designers, igniting discussions on the world of fine textiles and ongoing projects.
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La Maison Métaphores:
Métaphores, a trailblazer in the realm of weaving and fabric editions for interior design, is a renowned brand known for its contemporary and inspiring designs. This brand is an integral part of Hermès' textile division. Métaphores seamlessly blends the century-old expertise of Verel de Belval in silk furnishings and Le Crin in handwoven horsehair, alongside its profound mastery of textile materials, resulting in creations that captivate both the senses and the eyes.
Métaphores fabrics are a manifestation of the subtle interplay between materials, history, and craftsmanship. This is further reinforced by their meticulous selection of partners and raw materials, as part of a broader commitment to sustainable development that minimizes the environmental footprint of their collections.
The Bivouac Collection, for instance, draws on a palette inspired by the textures of plants, minerals, and animals. It invites us to find solace in the gentle embrace of its designs, urging contemplation on the true essence of life.
Le Crin - A Noble Fiber, Unique Gestures:
One of the standout highlights of the presentation was "Le Crin." Horsehair, as a woven material, exudes delicate vibrancy and remarkable resilience, qualities that draw the admiration of interior design influencers from diverse backgrounds. Remarkably, only one workshop in the world continues to hand-weave horsehair with such rare expertise. This ancient craft demands infinite patience, precision, and unwavering skill honed over months of apprenticeship, producing singular weaves strand by strand. The attention to detail is so profound that only a few meters can be woven each day. It's no surprise that Le Crin, located in Challes, in France's Sarthe region, is the custodian of a patent filed in 1787. Bestowed with the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, Le Crin stands as a true conservatory of this art.
See complete Le Crin Collection
Horsehair, when combined with linen, wool, sisal, or metallic threads, allows for the creation of intricate motifs, unique lighting effects, and sometimes daring nuances. These exceptional decorative elements seamlessly complement the Métaphores collections, opening up new horizons in design.
The fact that this workshop can only produce two yards of horsehair fabric a day underscores the importance of preserving these ancient weaving techniques. It not only enriches the history of textiles and craftsmanship but also serves as a poignant reminder of the skilled artisans behind these fibers.
Métaphores and Le Crin stand as exemplars of artistry and craftsmanship, reminding us of the enduring beauty and value of heritage techniques in the world of interior design.
