COLLABORATIVE DESIGN: HOW HARTMANN&FORBES' DESIGNER PARTNERSHIPS SHAPE INNOVATIVE COLLECTIONS

In the world of luxury interiors, true innovation often springs from collaboration. At Hartmann&Forbes, designer partnerships transcend aesthetics, merging creative visions with artisanal expertise to redefine what's possible in window and wall coverings. By working closely with leading designers, Hartmann&Forbes crafts collections that are both deeply personal and culturally resonant, rooted in sustainable, natural materials.

A Fusion of Art and Craft

Hartmann&Forbes invites top-tier designers into their process to cultivate bold ideas and fresh perspectives. Designers bring their unique creative visions, and Hartmann&Forbes provides the technical skill to bring those visions to life using the finest natural fibers and time-honored techniques. This fusion of artistic expression and functional excellence is evidence in each collection, as illustrated in the examples below.

The Michael S. Smith collection by Hartmann&Forbes showcases Smith's signature blend of historical patterns with modern sensibilities. His designers marry global patterns with rich textures, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance that's both timeless and current. "The collection is about reimagining the past to create something accessible for beautiful interiors," Smith explains.

Amy Meier, known for her ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, drew inspiration from diverse sources, including Japanese minimalism, the Bauhaus School, and ancient Korean cloth. Her collection by Hartmann&Forbes celebrates the beauty of raw materials, using natural fibers to bring her structured, organic designs to life. "It is my hope that these individual weaves work and play off of each other, creating a far richer composition," Meier shares, highlighting her intention to create cohesive, layered textures.

Honoring Craft and Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of Hartmann&Forbes' approach to craftsmanship. Each designer partnership is an opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional weaving, introducing new textures and techniques. This spirit of exploration led Hartmann&Forbes to incorporate a Jacquard handloom, utilizing a classic weaving technique that creates patterns into the textile, making complex patterned designs possible.

Max Humphrey's Americana-inspired collection took full advantage of the Jacquard handloom. Known for his nostalgic, layered style, Humphrey's designs reinterpret familiar patterns like gingham and cable knit, giving them a modern edge through Hartmann&Forbes' natural fibers. Humphrey notes, "Collaborating with Hartmann&Forbes allowed me to reinterpret these designs in a modern, natural way."

A Deep Cultural Collaboration

Among their most meaningful partnerships is Hartmann&Forbes' collaboration with the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. MIAC is a center for preserving the cultural heritage of the Native Southwest, and Hartmann&Forbes was honored to explore its extensive collections of Native textiles, pottery, and basketry. This partnership inspired a collection of window coverings that pay homage to the craftsmanship of the Hopi, Yurok, Dine (Navajo), and Pueblo peoples.

Each design in the MIAC collection is reimaged on a jacquard handloom, reflecting traditional craft motifs in a modern form. The collection celebrates the natural materials and intricate patterns integral to Native artistry, with a portion of proceeds supporting MIAC's mission. Hartmann&Forbes' intention is that these designs honor the creative conversations between the original makers and their objects, bringing new life to ancient traditions.

Why Collaboration Matters to Interior Design

For Hartmann&Forbes, collaborative design is a cornerstone of innovation. Each partnership brings a fresh perspective, challenging the brand to explore new techniques while staying rooted in its artisanal heritage. For designers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces, Hartmann&Forbes' collaborative collections provide a unique blend of luxury and sustainability, tradition and modernity. Through these partnerships, Hartmann&Forbes continues to inspire and elevate the interior design community, offering designs that are not only visually striking but also imbued with meaning.

Explore all of Hartmann&Forbes Designer Collaborations

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