We are unfashion.
In today’s (UN)fashion diaries, we share a
Q & A with Mimi Plange
exploring our latest collaboration with
The Shade Store.
Window treatments are a vital component of interior design, shaping the atmosphere of a room while providing practical benefits. I knew that The Shade Store’s custom window treatment offerings centeron quality craftsmanship; they are a brand I trust. We came together organically, and the excitementfrom both sides feels genuine and supportive. This new collection of Roller Shades brings a sense ofwhimsical global design to the classically elegant world of The Shade Store. I love that this partnership enables us to connect with customers who value both functionality and aesthetics in home décor.
I’ve always liked combining cross-cultural elements while playing on the contrast of simplicity and maximalism.
This collection is inspired by old African traditions, patterns, rituals, and weaving techniques.
Each pattern involves a bit of storytelling that transports the homeowner to different destinations in Africa,
but with a fresh perspective that is abstract, artistic and unexpected.
It was important for me to create something that could be timeless and bold at the same time – creative yet versatile. Thinking about the people who the designs are created for is a key part of myprocess.
Scale and thoughtful uses of color were important considerations to develop a collection that showcases originality without overshadowing the other elements of a room. I intentionally curated the offerings to be easily mixed and matched in the home, as well as easily standing alone. The result is a series of Roller shades that offer personality as well as privacy and comfort.
I love textiles with raised surfaces and irregularity.
After brainstorming with The Shade Store team, Ian Gibbs
[Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Shade Store] suggested printing on their Naturals collection.
Printing on Naturals is an entirely new process at The Shade Store.
I fell in love with the Grassweave and Harper base cloths immediately.
The solar shades also provide a beautiful textured surface that mimics the woven textiles of the
Ghanian Royal Kente cloth that inspired the print.
The blackout fabric brings a vibrance to every single colorway
with beautiful saturation and a rich finish.
The practice of scarification – similar to tattooing, where designs are etched into the skin –
became a significant source of inspiration when I discovered stunning images of the people of Benin.
I had seen scarification before in my own family, but it was mostly a single slash across the cheek,
or a circular mark on the arm. The patterns of the Benin people covered their
entire faces and were incredibly detailed, geometric and symmetrical.
This sparked a deep exploration of body adornment and other rituals and customs native to ancient Africa.
I learned early on that fashion was a tool with the power to influence and inspire.
Today, I use design to share stories of ancient African cultures and their rituals
while fusing it with modern American influences.
My style has come to be known as ‘Unfashion,’ which focuses on
individuality and storytelling,
as opposed to following trends.
Victoria is a nod to our Spring 2012 collection, featuring a surreal collage of vintage Victorian botanical floral illustrations and animal drawings motifs inspired by the bold style of the beautiful Herero women of Namibia
Botanica Grassweave is a sophisticated floral print composed of vintage Victorian botanical inspirations printed on The Shade Store's linear Grassweave to create a
beautiful raffia-like texture.
Kente cloth is a traditional weaving method of the Akan, Ewe, and Asante peoples of Ghana; each cloth is distinct and tells a story rooted in spirituality or history. Working from a single Kente block, we reimagined the warp and weft weave in single needle stithes, then layered these stitches to create an abstract plaid that combines the aesthetics of Mali woven indigo fabrics.
Geometric Grassweave features a repeating geometric pattern inspired by African scarification that is characteristic of Benin traditional culture. African scarification is the spiritual and decorative practice of etching
patterns on the surface of the skin.
This pattern is available in natural shades and in
blackout materials.
The Victoria Print is a great statement piece in a modern living room, bedroom or kitchen space.
Set against solid walls, it can provide an elegant pop of color, or push the boundaries of maximalism
with contrasting wallpapers and our floral printed shades.
I’d style the Geometric Grassweave shades in a clean, minimalistic room featuring a neutral color palette.
This print is perfect against sleek furniture and soft textures, like a plush rug.
To me, a space that feels natural, relaxing and organic is the perfect home for this print.
Our Kente Plaid blends easily into multiple environments because the pattern is less visible from afar.
As you draw closer, its distinct stitching pattern and the range of hues incorporated into the design is revealed.
It offers a beautiful way to blend neutral colors with standout design.
The Mimi Plange for The Shade Store collection
will be offered at all of The Shade Store's 150+ showrooms nationwaide
and through the online showroom at
www.theshadestore.com.
The Shade Store is a premium custom window treatment company
with a rich heritage in luxury textiles and interior design.
It's exclusive collection of more than 1,200 in-stock fabrics and materials
provides customers with an unparalleled amount of style
and customization options.
Every window treatment is proudly
handcrafted in the USA.
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