Oh suzani… Uzbek inspired textiles

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Fabrics by Dongia
Suzani patterns are designs that are inspired by Uzbek folk art.  Suzani is the Persian word for “needle”, hence the definite influence of embroidered pattern-work in this fabric collection from Dongia.  These intricate, colorful patterns are the latest trend in ethnic home furnishings.
Ikat Yarns Drying

Suzani is a close relative to the Ikat.  You can see how the colorful but engineered patterns of the Ikat are achieved by looking at the yarns shown above.  The patterns from Dongia may be printed on the silk rather than woven which gives them more of a crisp edge.  Printing is not as labor intensive as embroidery, thus making this trend easier to mass market.
Traditional Ikat


You can really see the difference in pattern here.  While an Ikat is woven in distinct rows, the Suzani is more of a decorative overall pattern.  If you want to see some more beautiful fabrics of this nature, click here for the Brunschwig & Fils site.

These are from ABC Carpet and Home in New York City.  I can really relate to the translation of traditional pattern work in these examples.  The real thing is a bit too ethnic for my taste but the trendy version is right up my alley.
As with all trends, every price point tries to copy.  Here is a bed set from Garnet Hill.  They do nice stuff and pay attention to quality, it usually shows on the price tag.

The good thing about trends is that they pass.  This one may stick around for a while but for those of you who are not enrolled “don’t sweat the small stuff”.