Scalamandre IS Haute Decor

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