U.S. regions inspire Waverly lines

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/12/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Looking back into its American heritage, Waverly is introducing the initial collections of American Residence, a themed decorative fabric program. Launched this week, it will expand with additional locales and regions as design inspiration.

"Our owner is constantly reminding us that we're an American company — parent F. Schumacher was founded here in 1889 — and the United States has such a diverse mix of cultures and design inspiration," said Pamela Maffei-Toolan, vp, design for Waverly Lifestyle Group.

The initial collections, Southern Charm and Island Life, represent two diverse design inspirations. Southern Charm represents the style of Savannah and Charleston in classic looks with patterns richer and grander than traditional patterns would normally be, Maffei-Toolan explained.

Island Life draws its influences from locales as diverse as the Florida Keys and Hawaii with lush vegetation, tropical themes and botanical studies as well as Asian and chinoiserie inspirations among the fashion looks.

Colors in Island Life are dramatic, Maffei-Toolan noted, while colors in Southern Charm are robust, such as fig, a raisin/chocolate that is an intense extension of red.

Looking ahead, Saratoga will join the American Residence family with a Showtime launch planned for July. "It will be very traditional Waverly with golf and hunt scenes along with paisleys and classic Jacobeans," she said. Colors will emphasize saturated jewel tones.

In October, Nantucket joins the American Residence lineup with an emphasis on local shingle style.

The first two collections also are offered as part of the Waverly home fashions ready-made bed and window products.