Bauhaus classics and textile innovations: drapilux new arrivals 2020

Posted in Products on 27 April, 2020

Natural colours, woven works of art and technical innovations: these include fabrics using a new type of yarn and made with recycled content, as well as blackouts and three transparent articles. In addition, the Emsdetten-based company has a real surprise in store for its visitors at the trade fair: as a reminder of the textile artists of the Bauhaus era, the drapilux designers have created a special edition of decorative fabrics with features reminiscent of the Bauhaus design.

Sustainability – one step further

As in many other areas of life, sustainability is becoming the buzzword in interior design. In line with our motto “We have a responsibility to the future. And that was always the case”, the founding Schmitz family has always been committed to sustainable production, management and operations in their entrepreneurial activities at drapilux. For instance, all textiles are “made in Germany” because they are either manufactured or finished at the company’s premises in Emsdetten (North Rhine-Westphalia). This reduces the mileage associated with transportation. The use of resources and chemicals is as environmentally friendly as possible. “Wherever we have the opportunity, we go beyond the legal requirements,” said Hubert Reinermann, Head of Sales at drapilux. “Our goal is to conserve resources”. Furthermore, the fabrics are durable and hard-wearing so that they can be used in the building concerned for a long time. The intelligent added functions – i.e. the flame-retardant, air-purifying, antimicrobial properties as well as the acoustic effect – are also retained in the fabric, even after frequent washing. “Consequently, we have already created good conditions in the value and supply chain”, concluded Reinermann. “Nevertheless, we’re constantly striving to improve”. The textile manufacturer was audited by the internationally renowned Hohenstein Institute in autumn 2019 and was certified according to “STeP by OEKO-TEX®” (Sustainable Textile Production) at the highest quality level.

Another goal is to make the textiles as sustainable as possible. Hence, with its flame-retardant fabrics, drapilux faces a special challenge. “In close partnership with the manufacturer of the yarns, Trevira GmbH, we have succeeded in developing some articles, of which a part is made using sustainably produced fibres, which are flame-retardant and which conform to the usual drapilux quality,” stated Kirstin Herrmann, drapilux design studio manager. drapilux has the exclusive rights to use the new yarn until the end of 2020. “During this time, we will work together to enhance the fibres and raise the percentage of the recycled material used,” added Reinermann.

• Article drapilux 115 – the queen of piece-dyeing

The special look of this decorative fabric comes from using two colours. The woven textile is dyed in a complex cationic/anionic process. Besides the fact that this item uses sustainable fibres and is flame-retardant, this fabric series is the queen of piece-dyeing. The article is available in 36 shades of modern colours – powder pink, aqua, petrol, olive green as well as coral and orange. With a width of 140 cm, it is also ideal as a throw.

• Article drapilux 104 – versatile block print

This fabric series is woven using a warp of a drapilux classic – drapilux 102. The new drapilux 104 fabric boasts a width of 300 cm, sustainable content, and suitability for use as a throw. The block print comes in a variety of colours – 36 in total – predominantly in neutral and near-neutral shades.

• Article drapilux 131 – Scandinavian flair

Article drapilux 131 features a downscaled print design with Scandinavian flair. The fabric is printed on the basic quality of article drapilux 104, meaning it also contains sustainably produced fibre content. Four colourways in delicate, neutral shades lend the room-high design a certain generosity.

Keeping the light out – new blackout fabrics

The three new blackout fabrics were primarily developed with hotels in mind. It is essential to block out light in order to have a peaceful night’s sleep. “The idea was to develop blackout fabrics which met both functional and aesthetic requirements in guest rooms,” said Herrmann.

• Article drapilux 170 – in neutral shades

With its light structure, this block print fabric can be used on its own as well as in conjunction with curtains or other transparent items. There are 17 neutral shades.

• Article drapilux 173 – uniquely double-sided

The special feature of this blackout fabric is that it can be used on both sides. The white base material is printed on both sides using a digital printing method, and has the same structure but in different colour shades. The fabric width is ceiling height and comes in 12 colours, of which five are neutrals and the remaining seven are on-trend colours.

• Article drapilux 171 – plush velour

The new, floor-to-ceiling velour drapilux 171 captivates with its plush feel and is available in 33 colours. The focus is on neutral shades, on the one hand, and on rich, and bright on-trend colours on the other. “Of course, classic Bordeaux red is a must,” commented Hermann. These textiles can also be printed, as illustrated by the contemporary leaf design. Instead of the floral pattern, it is also possible to print the fabric with a bespoke design. The surface of the fabric has a soft pile, and the fibres can be combed in any direction. “This blackout is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our current collection”, concluded Herrmann.

Transparency – new semi-transparent fabrics

Well-known fabric qualities in a new outfit alongside innovative yarns – drapilux is launching technical innovations with three new transparent fabrics.

• Article drapilux 810 – now available in colour too

drapilux 810 is already well-known as a white base material on which designs can be printed. An innovation in the piece-dyeing process now makes it possible to dye the delicate, slightly structured fabric. It comes in a total of 22 colours. With the exception of a few neutral and grey tones, strong colours predominate. When held up against the light, they seem so subtle that it is as if the room has been encompassed in a coloured veil.

• Article drapilux 699 – acoustics that shine

With article 699, drapilux is expanding its acoustic portfolio. The fabric was partly woven using a special yarn, which has a positive influence on the acoustics of a room. Due to its slight sheen, this fibre stands out in exciting contrast to the actual range of colours, which mainly comprises muted, warm colours, but also come in subdued neutral and grey shades.

• Article drapilux 111 – innovative, effect yarn

drapilux 111 is a flame-retardant polyester fabric, which feels very natural and also drapes very naturally. A new effect yarn was developed for this purpose, which is integrated in the weft alongside the standard yarn. There are 15 warm, neutral, on-trend colours available.

Bauhaus series – in honour of weave

Everyone was talking about the centenary of the Bauhaus movement in 2019. Both in Weimar and in Dessau, weaving mills were one of the most successful workshops. Launching four new decorative fabrics concurrently, drapilux pays tribute to the textile artists of the Bauhaus era. “The designs of the past are true classics now, and we used them as the basis for our designs as they are ideal to mix and match with the current collections thanks to their clean look”, said drapilux designer Herrmann.

• Article drapilux 188 –Minimalism in design

The minimalist pattern with the generous repeat (184 cm high x 15.5 cm wide) of this fabric is dedicated to Benita Koch-Otte. She studied at the Bauhaus school from 1920 to 1925, and from 1925 she headed the weaving mill at the Burg Giebichstein School of Arts and Crafts in Halle. The warp and weft of the fabric are the same colour, the actual pattern is achieved solely by making a change in the weave. The colour of the fabric is also subtle. Five of the six colours are in neutral shades. The exceptions are two shades of bright red. “This on-trend colour works extremely well with drapilux 188 and shows that a modern, minimalist look can also be combined with strong colours”, explained Herrmann. Thanks to its downscaled design, which is reminiscent of an on-trend Scandinavian look, the fabric is suitable for use in hotels as well as in offices and the healthcare sector.

• Article drapilux 150 – pure elegance

Article drapilux 150 pays tribute to the most significant Bauhaus artist: Gunta Stölzl. She is the only woman who achieved the position of master of her profession at the Bauhaus school. In 1931, she concentrated her teaching programme on the development of functional textiles, thus leading directly to the core competence exercised by drapilux. The subtle decorative fabric is created using the Scherli technique. The coloured weft is only partially integrated into a white warp. The other areas of the weft yarn lie loosely on the fabric. These so-called loose threads are cut off after weaving (Swiss term: Scherli). Besides three colour combinations in smoky pastel and neutral shades, drapilux 150 is also available in a white/white colourway. With its subtle pattern, this fabric is also ideal for hospitals.

• Article drapilux 185 – woven artistic craftwork

The work of the artist Margarethe Leuschner, enrolled as a student in Dessau from 1927 to 1930, is reflected in the design of drapilux 185. She later became the assistant to Gunta Stölzl, the weaving mill manager, and always attached particular importance to knowing the material inside out, calculating the amount of fabric required and weaving techniques. The latter is used in the decorative fabric of drapilux 185: a double-sided fabric or also a canvas double cloth. These textiles use a so-called binding chain to hold both of the weft systems together, thereby creating a double-sided pattern. With drapilux 185, eight different warp and weft colours are woven in to create a raised and sunken surface. The result is a look with a wide variety of shades that mixes and matches well. Kirstin Herrmann explained that the complicated weaving technique used at that time required first-class knowledge about weaving: “Our main focus on dobby weaving is ideal for recreating this design era.” All seven colourways can be used for decorative fabrics, bedspreads or upholstery fabrics in a multitude of environments. Thanks to its small repeat, the fabric is also suitable for use in the cruise ship sector.

• Article drapilux 809 – eye-catching geometric designThe new drapilux 809 series is in memory of Anni Albers, who also became internationally famous. After encountering initial difficulties in weaving, she gradually developed her own design language, which consisted of abstract, criss-crossing geometric patterns. Accordingly, drapilux 809 is printed with oversized, isosceles triangles. The colours, in smoky pastel and neutral shades harmonise with the simplified shapes, are very muted with low colour saturation. In this way, the fabric blends in well with the design language of modern interior design.

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