Maya Romanoff has always been an innovative company, after all its roots are as a tie-dyed t-shirt company following the likes of the Rolling Stones and The Who around the United States back in the hippy heyday. That innovation continues today, and includes LEED and Eco-friendly products that are also considerate of the wonderful aristan talents they work with, in countries such as Nepal. I attended a seminar and show in New York this morning that exposed to me these new products and gave me wonderful insight into the man and his exceptionally talented company - and, I got to meet him personally.
Today’s seminar and presentation by Maya Romanoff was sponsored by the excellent New York luxury lifestyle-themed Quest Magazine and also featured the amazing Amy Lau, designer extraordinaire and expert of Mid-century modernism (which we know ChicTip is fanatical about), who was guest speaker to talk about her recent collaboration with Maya Romanoff on the Kips Bay decorator show house and their new tie-dyed collection to coincide with Maya Romanoff’s 40th anniversary celebrations. A fitting way to celebrate the company’s roots.
From the products reviewed today, I particularly love the new Meditations and Hemp collections, though all of their lines are exquisite – including the celebrated Beadazzled collection.
The Hemp collection introduces a zenlike quality and is available in a range of earthy tones. One possible use of this rich covering is that it can function as an amazing feature wall in a room when contrast, warmth and texture are required.
The Meditations Ohm collection is a truly exceptional design, that makes use of Nepalese lotka paper with flecks of mica (see image at the top of this article). The honeycomb texture is achieved through authentic Nepalese craftsmanship of manipulating the paper with fingers and chopsticks to form the shapes therein. Available in 8 colors, the texture this covering adds to a room is breathtaking and produces an unmatched accent to any room type.
The Meditations Mantra collection makes use of the same lotka paper with flecks of mica, without the honeycomb texture of the Ohm collection, for an elegant texture.
Something not obvious to most of us, myself included until this morning, is that Maya Romanoff’s wall coverings are hand-crafted. When you look at the quality of the materials and the textures they introduce, it now seems obvious to me that this type of richness could not be produced in anything machine processed. As a designer, particularly one that studied in New York and frequents the D&D Building as often as I do, I felt a little embarassed at learning this but in my defense I can honestly say that their designs and textures are so extraordinary that I can forgive myself a little by not focusing on the how and instead being taking in by the esthetic. (Here is an excellent video from LX TV’s Open House)
The production process at Maya Romanoff embraces craftsmanship and excellence. It’s a mutual harmony, Maya allows craftsman to work with the best materials and designs and they reward him with enthusiasm and work ethic. It’s also a bit of a family affair, with a good percentage of the 50-strong company related to one another. Factor in that 70% of the product is manufactured here in the United States, at their premises in Skokie, Chicago, and you have something that America is struggling to produce and maintain – a company at the pinnacle of the market, that manufactures locally and employs family. It’s a formula many others would do well to follow.
As well as reviewing the products, I also got an amazing demonstration of their authentic crafting process from one the uber-talented Maya Romanoff team, and learnt much more about Romanoff’s amazing company in general. Tomorrow sees Maya Romanoff’s 40th anniversary being celebrated in a private event tomorrow, March 10th 2010, showing his collections at the New York Museum of Art & Design.
As I mentioned earlier, I got to meet the legend himself, and some of his amazing family, which is the designer’s equivalent of getting a back-stage pass to meet a rock star. Below is a picture of Maya Romanoff and I at this morning’s event.
Posted by Keren Fathi-Poor at 9 March, 2010
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every thing is innovative and alluring and the wall covers are marvelous.
Dear Sir/Madam
We are the company which is growing up rapidly in textile market.
Actually we have been working for this area for 10 years.
We specialized in Fabric but also have many interests in wallcovering.
I happened to visit your website and I am very interested in your products.
If it is possible, we will be the great partner for you in the near future.
Please let me know if you have agents or distributors in S. korea.
I expect your kind reply.
Thanks.