Kim Parker to roll out rugs, dec pillow lineup

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Print designer Kim Parker is stepping out with her own branded line of rugs and dec pillows for the boutique channel.

The venture follows her extension last year into high-end dinnerware and glassware. The textiles are being produced by M&M Design Inc., based on Long Island in Carle Place, NY.

The venture follows her move last year into branded dinnerware for the high-end and specialty channels. Parker has been designing hand-painted silk prints since the early 1990s, primarily for the apparel trade. Her client roster encompassed upmarket houses including Anna Sui and Diane Von Furstenberg as well as mainstream retailers including The Gap and J. Crew.

"I've been ghostwriting for eight years," Parker told HTT. She described her design signature as "vibrant exuberance and energetic color."

Her inaugural line of home textiles, being placed now, includes handmade wool rugs from Nepal in florals and paisleys. Rugs are available in four sizes: 4' x 6' at $1,500, 6' x 9' at $3,300, 8' x 10' at $4,900 and 9' x 12' at $6,600.

Decorative pillows are handpainted silk with embroidery. They are available in two sizes: 16" x 16" for a $120 retail, and 22" x 22" for a $240 retail.

Next on the agenda: negotiating an upholstery fabric line for the high-end decorator and hospitality trade. She's also considering a table linen line to coordinate with her dinnerware collections.