The luxe life —excess makes an exit

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 9/23/2002 12:00:00 AM

PARIS —

Luxury fibers, fabrics and embellishments were the stars of Maison & Objet here earlier this month.

Notable among the luxury fibers were cashmere, angora, Merino wool, and silk, often used in combinations for blankets, throws and bedding.

Embellishments also took the luxury route, moving away from the heavy hand or excesses of recent Maison sessions. Dimension was an important element in creating fashion statements, with appliques and soutaches in a variety of materials, satin and suede were among the most frequently seen.

Overall, this season's Maison did not produce major changes in design, color or pattern but moved the past seasons' trends into newer arenas.

The bold orange of a year or so ago has morphed into a series of coral tones, often mixed with hot pink or a straw-shaded yellow. The red and purple family of colors was evident throughout the show.

In product, the fashion leadership definitely was in the rug segment, with contemporary and ethnic-inspired designs prominent. Significant color palettes ranged from Crayola colors and candy stripe to subtle shadings and designs that created art for the floor.