Socially Responsible Textile Design

John Robshaw TextilesIt’s not often that I come across a product that I find not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially and ethically responsible. However, when I do happen upon a company prospering under these criteria, I’m always excited to share.

Today’s discovery is John Robshaw Textiles.  The fabrics are hand block printed on linen and cotton voile and available to the trade only.  The company’s founder travels extensively around the Asia immersing himself in technique and soaking up design inspiration.  The result is a beautifully executed and visually pleasing collection of textiles.  Robshaw now runs his business by employing artisans from all over the world.  He travels several months out of the year to oversee production, experiment with new dyeing and printing techniques, and to work alongside the artisans creating the fabrics.

You can check out the latest collection online or if you’re a New Yorker, stop by his showroom on W 29th.  While I’m sure the fabrics would work in a wide range of applications, in my opinion,they lend best to the home interior market; furniture designers rejoice!

Nicole Giordano

Nicole is the founder of StartUp FASHION, an online resource and community supporting for independent designers around the world with building their businesses. A deep love for the craft of fashion paired with an adamant belief that success is defined by the individual, led her to found StartUp FASHION, where she helps independent designers and makers screw the traditional fashion business rules, create their own paths, and build businesses they truly love. More than anything else, she’s in the business of encouragement and works every day to remind makers and designers that they have something special to offer the world and that they can, in fact, do this thing!