Raymond Waites Updates with Regatta

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 9/13/2009 12:00:00 AM

New York —

While maintaining its characteristic design statement of opulence and luxury, Next Creations/Raymond Waites Designs has added a more modern element in its new Regatta Collection.

The new grouping of five beds addresses a more contemporary customer with more geometric designs and colorful looks, said Michael Vidra, president. At the same time, he emphasized, "We have maintained Raymond's iconic look of opulent design, embroideries and fashion colors." Prints, he added, are increasingly important vs. the overwhelming proportion of damasks and matelassés in recent seasons for the master bedroom segment.

But even here, he noted, the traditional mood has morphed more to a transitional look that is more sophisticated. The target audience — 30 plus in age here, he pointed out — is a style-wise market that understands vintage as well as natural fibers.

For both segments, "We are offering a variety of looks at value pricing," Vidra said.

A key pattern in this segment of the line is Fairfield, a colorful traditional print on a linen/cotton blend. The sheets are printed sateen.

In contrast, Parker, also in this part of the line, mixes shades of gray in stripes and is embellished with gimp trims and embroidery.

For each of the beds, coordinating pillows are very important, and this season they are larger and longer.

In the new Regatta Collection of five beds, each offers almost a contemporary look on yarn dyed wovens. One uses a yarn dyed woven with a sailing rope as embellishment while another uses a cotton herringbone sports trim as well as details such as a reverse color lining for the bed skirt.