By now, many of you have probably seen Scalamandre's beloved zebra pattern.
When you think of Scalamandre, most people think it is an Italian or even
a French born company, creating high end luxury fabrics and wallcoverings.
But you are an ocean away!
It is an American dream, that got its start on Long Island.
In 1929, an Italian immigrant,
Franco Scalamandré and wife Flora set out to create a
textile business that would become know all over the world.
Today Scalamandre's President, Steven Stolman's new book,
Haute Decor, is like a scrapbook of its history. There are three companies that got their
start in 1929, and are still in business today, Macy's.
Mrs. John L. Strong Fine Stationery and
Scalamandre.
Famed Interior Designer Nancy McClelland who worked at
Wanamaker's Department store was instrumental in promoting
Scalamandre Silks.
During the World War II years, Scalamandre used their mill to produce parachutes,
helmet linings and insignias.
The original mill in Long Island still bears the Scalamandre name.
It is now an art studio.
Franco's daughter, Adriana Scalamandre Bitters, started working
in the family business at a very young age. In the early 1950's,
Adriana was known to hid her name in some of
the early hand painted prints.
The Scalamandre name is associated with many famous homes.
There are a number of designs that were created for
Randolph Hearst "Castle," San Simeon.
Designing for President's homes including the White House, is a large part
of Scalamandre's history. Franco started with restoration of
Mt. Vernon and later Monticello. Redecoration of the White House during the
Kennedy and Clinton era's included their wallpapers and fabrics.
The current President's wife chose to have her portrait made
by Annie Leibovitz in the Red Room. When Steven Stoleman was
asked how he managed to get the rights to use it in Haute Decor,
He told the LA Times; It's called paying for the rights. When I saw it in Vogue, I knew I wanted it for the centerpiece of the book. Everything [upholstery, curtains, wallpaper] you see besides the Michael Kors dress is Scalamandré. By total coincidence I met Annie last weekend in Connecticut in a little country market in Bridgeport. She was standing in the checkout line with me. I turned around and said, “Please forgive me, but I'm a big fan, and I just finished my first book, and it features this iconic moment you captured.” She said, “That's so kind.
Other famous iconic houses that boast Scalameandre textiles are
The Dining Room of the Breakers
The Grand Ballroom of Rosecliff was used in the movie
The Great Gatsby
The above pictures show some of their popular patterns
and print ads. Including the one of designer, Kathryn Ireland.
Then there is Scalamandre's 100% Silk cut velvet, Tigre. It is one their
most sought after fabrics and can retail close to $2,000. a yard!
How many yards would you like to order?
In October, Stephen Stoleman was a keynote speaker at ADAC
(Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) He was interview by
Jennifer Boles, blogger of "The Peak of Chic."
(China)
(Bedding)
Stephen share with us the new directions that Scalamandre has ventured into.
L-R Stephen Stoleman, president, Atlanta designer, Patricia McClean
and the current owner of Scalamandre, Louis Renzo.
Stephen was entertaining and kept the audience captivated with
his stories of Scalamandre's attraction for those searching
for Haute Decor. If you purchase his book, I promise
you will not be disappointed!
Source: Scalamandre, LA Times, ADAC
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