Beacon Hill embellishes new collection

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 5/19/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Moving to a new level of fabric design and embellishment, the Beacon Hill division of the Robert Allen Group is launching Artisans, a collection of fabric inspired by apparel couture.

The collection, which debuts here this week, "is one where we challenged ourselves to take embroidery to a new level with beading, cutwork and appliqués, among the techniques," explained Erin Murphy, Beacon Hill's designer.

Everything in the collection is completely handmade, she added, and combinations range from the expected to the exotic. Among some of the latter are leather, suede and velvet on linen with decorative stitchery, and suede embellishments on tulle. Raffia is used in traditional effects as well as more expected contemporary treatments, and organza flowers, ribbons and beading are important embellishments. Silk, hemp, chiffon, lace and leathers are key fabrics.

Inspiration came from "old embellishment techniques as well as the arts and crafts of the past such as knots and signature stitchery," she added. Colors, Murphy related, "are compatible but also reflect couture looks with bright lily pinks, lime greens, deep rose, citron yellow and fuchsias" along with the more subtle naturals and creams.

"The collection was designed to add to the luster of the Beacon Hill part of The Robert Allen Group," said Andy Pacuk, senior vp, product design and merchandising for the company. "Our goal was to capture the essence of couture with the finest fabrics while retaining a timeless quality for the home." Artisans will be featured only in the company's 19 showrooms as well as some of the agent showrooms, he added.