GENTRY CONNECTS

Share your most Romantic Places

2012-02-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine’s Day I want to share some of my favorite romantic places. A secluded beach at the Big Island’s Four Seasons Hualalai is a great place to watch the sunset! A bottle of Champagne doesn’t hurt either.

For something different how about a hot air balloon ride over Kenya’s Maasai Mara wildlife preserve? I hate heights but this was amazing. They Serve Champagne when you land.

One of my favorite romantic restaurants is Boulder’s Flagstaff House.

San Francisco’s Acquerello is a perfect place for a quiet dinner and holding hands.

Capri is romance personified!

Chateau De La Chevre D’Or, high up in Eze on the French Riviera, is a wonderful Valentine’s Day destination.

Fattoria La Striscia, in Tuscany’s Arezzo, is delightful!

A beach! Anywhere! One of my favorites is Kapalua Bay on Maui.

The enchanting Adriatic Sea sparkles below the Hotel Bellevue near Dubrovnik.

The Auberge du Pere Bise, in Talloires, on Lac Annecy, is an incredible place to escape!

Albion River Inn on California’s rugged Mendocino Coast has superb seafood and rooms with a view to inspire.

A sunset at La Tagliata in Montepertuso near Positano.

A blissfull warm evening dinner at the incredible “Dining on the Rocks” restaurant, Six Senses Hideaway Resort, Koh Samui.

I absolutely love walking on a quiet path under majestic redwoods.

There is nothing quite like the 63^rd floor restaurant & bar at The Dome in the Lebua Hotel Bangkok!

One of the most romantic places on earth is the pool villa at the Royal Pita Maha Resort near Ubud, Bali.

A close second is the Royal Pita Maha’s “Healing Pool” down near the Ayung River.

If you really don’t mind all the Russian oligarchs and celebrities with their bodyguards, then the Hotel Du Cap-Eden Roc on Cap D’Antibes is your place.

A quieter option is to rent an apartment with a great view of the bay in Villefranche sur Mer. Let me know if you want to know more about this place.

And probably the best place for romance is your own dining table dressed up for the occasion with wines ready to pour!

Jean Paul Gaultier

2012-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

“Hello sailor!” We visited the Jean Paul Gaultier, “From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk” exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art.

“WOW” is the only thing I can say! 130 haute couture and pret-a-porter creations are showing. They even have the corset made for Madonna. The designer nicknamed “enfant terrible” delights and surprises all that love fashion, creativity and textiles.

The Dallas exhibit (originally staged in Montreal and soon to be in San Francisco, opening March 24 at the de Young) showcases an amazing visionary that is much more than just sex, skin, punk, and the urban jungle.

This shot from Vanity Fair shows his workshop working on a 2001 haute couture creation. His “petit mains” (an old couture term for stitchers) reminded me of the artisans at Wesco Fabrics that sew window creations for our designer clients.

Necklace and bracelet from metal cans!

Our very favorite by far! This beaded panther design took 1060 embroidery hours! You cannot possibly understand the excellence of haute couture unless you can see it up close yourself!

“Incroyable!”

Amazing workmanship!

This dress from Gaultier’s 2007 haute couture spring summer collection took 315 hours to complete.

Detail from a man’s shirt in his wild punk homage.

Corset made from straw!

Denver hosts the largest ever retrospective exhibit of Yves Saint Laurent from March 25 through July 7, 2012! The Denver Art Museum is the ONLY United States venue for the exhibition. Over 200 haute couture garments will dazzle not only fashionistas but anyone interested in creativity, textile workmanship, and the artistry of an icon.

***I welcome all my Facebook friends to Denver for the YSL show! I will treat you to a tour of our Denver Design Center showroom and/or our custom workroom & warehouse. Cocktails? Lunch?

Picture credits: Vanity Fair, zio Paolino, museumpublicity.

Hunter Douglas plus Wesco Fabrics

2012-01-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hunter Douglas borrowed one of our tables for a dramatic product shot of their Luminette Modern Draperies. Wesco Fabrics distributes Hunter Douglas products to designers around the country. Luminette is perfect for large windows or sliding glass doors and their superior UV protection is a big plus. Marla and I found the Suar wood table while on a shopping trip to Bali. We have an almost identical one is stock. The price is $2995 retail. 85”W x 29”-37”D x 32”H. It can be used as a dining table or a desk.

We are sourcing tables for our Denver showroom and warehouse in Bali.

Wood workers prepare a Suar wood slab for an exotic and beautiful table top.

Hunter Douglas & Wesco Fabrics create grand openings that are the art of window dressing.

Come to Market

2012-01-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

Home furnishing professionals travel to markets afar seeking beautiful products their customers will love. Las Vegas, High Point, Dallas, and Atlanta, and many other cities have sought the attention of discriminating buyers for years. Marla and I have cast our Wesco Fabrics’ buying net far and wide traveling to trade shows around the world as well as markets and bazaars. It takes a lot of energy, patience, and resourcefulness, but treasures can be found in the most unexpected places.

***Take a look at our “Come to Market” Youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WescoFabrics/featured

Heimtextil in Frankfurt and MoOd in Brussels are some of largest textile shows in the world.

The Tianyi Wholesale Market in Beijing is a multi-story bazaar of interesting products.

Beijing’s Panjiayuan Weekend Market is an amazing collection of antiques sellers from throughout China. Bargaining is definitely de rigueur!

Biking Buddhas at the market.

Many sellers simply lay down a cloth and merchandise their wares.

An early picture of me scrounging around for good stuff in Northern Thailand.

A little rain doesn’t stop the action at this market in Ubud Bali.

Marla found some great Tenganan baskets.

Bali still has furniture markets filled with wonderful products from throughout Indonesia and beyond.

“Come on Marla, there might be some cool items in here!”

Nirvana for me is spending a day or two at the Marche aux Puces flea market in the Paris suburb of Saint-Ouen. There has been a flea market in this area since the 19^th century. There is always something dazzling to be discovered while walking the tiny lanes and galleries.

The Maison et Object in Paris is my favorite market to find fashion and style forward design. Marla is checking out a pair of giant antique doors from India.

On a Wesco Fabrics’ incentive trip to Koh Samui, Thailand, we took customers to visit a local market.

We found gorgeous hand-woven silk scarves for our showroom while in Luang Prabang, Laos.

The market in Bago, Burma, has remained the same for hundreds of years.

The Kota Kinabalu market in the Sabah state of Malaysian Borneo is full of activity. This tailor takes his sewing machine wherever he goes.

Almost every city and town in Europe has a weekend brocante market. You couldn’t keep me away from this market in Brussels.

I’m shopping for a few things in Villefranche sur Mer. Why go to a supermarket when you can shop produce from a local farmers’ market? I love Whole Foods and especially Central Market in Dallas, which is a major foodie haven, but local markets are so much more fun!

Cycling Coastal Tuscany

2012-01-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Cycling has really helped reduce the stresses of business the past few years! In September I rode another bike tour with Experience Plus out of Fort Collins, Colorado. The route for their “Cycling the Coast of Tuscany” was a brand new area for me and quite challenging with all the ups and downs. Our group cycled rural Tuscany for a delightful week visiting quiet villages and sampling the amazing cuisine of the region. Willow, on the right, was on her honeymoon.

This is a typical small village.

I got off the bike to explore.

Ancient buildings and an ancient cyclist!

The Medici Castle in Lari was built in the 1500’s on top of earlier Medieval castles.

We were blessed with beautiful weather for alfresco group dinners. We based out of Casciana Terme, one of the many thermal spas frequented by the Romans. The hot springs are still very popular today.

We rode up to the town of Pomaia, the site of the “Lama Tzong Khapa Institute”, which is one of the most prominent Tibetan Buddhist centers in Europe. After a tour and lunch we rode down the hill feeling much enlightened!

Entering the little village of Suvereto I was stunned by how quiet and seemingly deserted it was.

Suvereto is wonderful with its Medieval streets and buildings. I located a restaurant and found another tour member dining on Pici, a thick hand rolled pasta.

Archeologists are studying an ancient Etruscan site by the sea on the Gulf of Baratti. We had a chance to tour a 6^th century BC Etruscan tomb. This was a center for iron smeltering. I picked up a piece of slag that had been here for over 2000 years!

A few of us attempted the short but brutally steep ride up to Populonia, site of an Etruscan and Roman city.

Our hotel in Venturina had an ancient swimming pool warmed by natural hot springs. It felt great to just relax in the warm water after our long hot day in the saddle!

The route to Bolgheri was gorgeous! I passed two of my favorite wineries, Ornellaia and Sassicaia. I wanted to buy a few bottles, but they were an absolute fortune!

The ancient water fountains are safe for drinking. On many days we rode solo and often did not encounter another tour member for hours.

This is very typical of the hill towns in the region.

I bought a sandwich of local cheese and salami and sat in the shade of an ancient church high in the hills.

Our guides thankfully marked our route or I could have been lost for days. Our last day to Castiglione della Pescaia was the longest and hottest. Totally exhausted I checked in to the hotel and couldn’t budge for 2 hours. What a fabulous week of cycling!

Our farewell dinner was our best with fine Tuscan wines from the Maremma region and local seafood. I loved the tour and met new friends from around the country. Doug, on the left, ran track with me in High School. It was great to reconnect and do something we both love!

No Eels Please Visiting Textile Mills in China

2012-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Modern China is an enigma wrapped in a silk veil of mystery. Our China trip in November was a wonderful adventure and a visual dim sum feast! We arrived in Shanghai from Beijing, picking a hotel in the Pudong area with a view of the historical Bund. With a population of over 23 million, Shanghai puts the term “megatropolis” in a whole new perspective.

***CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE TRIP TO SEE OUR CHINESE SUPPLIERS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2ifJNcw7OI&feature=uploademail

We were on holiday, but took some time to visit a few of our textile suppliers outside of Shanghai. We usually see them in Frankfurt or Brussels. The train to our destination was modern and high-speed.

Peter picked us up at the Yuhang station and took us to see his factory.

We always enjoy seeing how the fabrics are woven,…and more importantly, inspected!

A multi-colored warp is set up for production.

This vibrant color combination begins as yarn spools on a yarn rack.

Peter asked us if we liked “KFC?” A big surprise was in store when we arrived at the local restaurant “Snow.” “Is this fish staring at me?” “No eels please!”

The staff was excited to have Westerners in their restaurant! I had the feeling we were their first!

Annie picked us up so we could visit her modern mill.

Can you believe they have five floors of textile showrooms? “Visual overload anyone?”

“I like this one!”

The complete design team came in to assist us.

Is this the look of creativity or chaos?

Annie checks prices for me. We were amazed at how young everyone is!

We followed Annie down a maze of corridors from one showroom to another. “Who has a map to this place?”

Their contemporary wall covering showroom.

It was interesting to see window covering designs styled for the Chinese home market.

Metallic sheer creates an eclectic sizzle!

We say goodbye to Zhejiang and head to the train station.

After a three hour train ride we are happily back to Shanghai. If I am known for anything it is finding good Italian restaurants in unusual places. “La Villa” was just across from our hotel. Shanghai is vibrant, exciting, and pulsing with energy. We loved it!

I wish you an incredible 2012

2011-12-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

What journey will you take in 2012? Some of us will set out to find more enlightenment, to reenergize and ramp up our goals for positive personal development. Our journeys need not a passport, as Henry Miller said, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

I plan to take the optimistic path to seek more wisdom, inner peace, and self-realization. I will become a better partner and mentor to have a happy and healthy life.

I will watch more glorious sunsets and not be in such a hurry.

I wish you all a beautiful New Year!

Joys of the Season

2011-12-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

It is a joyful time when our whole family can come together for the Holidays! There is nothing better than this. I give you a toast of the season with eggnog and even a carol or two….

“Here we come a wassailing among the leaves of green

Here we come a wand’ring so fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too.

And God bless you and send you a happy New Year

And God send you a happy New Year.”

Bedazzled in Beijing

2011-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

A crazy spur-of-the-moment November trip to China resulted in a visual and sensual feast! My China preconceptions were quickly dispatched once I became immersed in this frenetic and dynamic powerhouse of amazing contrasts! Almost 20 million people, amazing traffic jams, pollution, and a guide that felt a need to drive in the middle of the lane marker was something I was not prepared for, but I am so glad I went.

This is the off season! I can’t imagine the summer months at Beijing’s iconic Forbidden City. The heavy crowds pushed Marla to the front, but it was a better view.

A man in a classic Mao suit tours one of the incredible 980 buildings of The Forbidden City.

Exploring the city is a visual adventure!

There are nine gold plated bowls surrounding the building. This bowl has had almost all its gold rubbed off. Nine is an important number in Chinese culture because it sounds the same as the word for “longlasting.” Nine is also associated with the Chinese dragon, a symbol of the Emperor. I found many bat motifs on doors and other structures in the Forbidden City. The word for bat and “happiness” are pronounced the same.

The Emperor was carried up this marble path of carved dragons.

The building boom in Beijing has created many unusual and exciting structures. The CCTV building has impossible angles that almost defy logic! It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaus & Ole Sheeren.

The manic construction pace and the quest to modernize have sadly destroyed classic Hutong neighborhoods. Beijing Hutongs are narrow alleys with traditional courtyard homes. The government is trying to protect a number of them, but many are gone.

Rickshaw drivers take a break.

The entrance to this Hutong is rich and vibrant; a woman knits, people play badminton, children play. Exploring the un-touristy Hutongs was our favorite part of the trip.

A man on a bike races home with a load of leeks on Liulichang Street.

A cold wind blew away the clouds as we explored the Great Wall at the Badaling section.

Where is everyone? We were almost alone on the incredible “Sacred path to the Ming Tombs.”

A visit to the Summer Palace is a must!

The light in late afternoon on Kunming Lake was mysterious.

A behatted visitor glances at the filtered sun over the water.

The Lama, or Yonghe Tibetan Buddhist Temple, is one of the largest in the world.

Love this statue in the Hutong.

No one loves duck more than my wife! Her favorite used to be the numbered duck at Tour D’Argent in Paris. The new number one is the Peking duck at Da Dong, arguably the best Chinese restaurant in Beijing.

Next stop is Shanghai.

Shopping in the Wesco Fabrics showroom

2011-12-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

For over 65 years interior designers have known us as a boutique supplier of decorative fabrics, custom hardware, and custom window coverings. It often comes as a surprise when designers and their clients visit our showroom at the Denver Design District and see our furniture and accessories from around the world! Let me take you on a tour of our showroom.

Hanging display fabrics include Positano, color Purple Haze, and Make a Discovery, color Raspberry.

We source the world for interesting accessories.

Designers love our selection of petrified wood tables. The chair is from C.R. Laine.

Bradington Young manufactures the finest leather furniture exclusively in Hickory, North Carolina.

At a stone carving village in Bali I found some fabulous statues!

Sophisticated leather chairs and tables have a cool retro feel.

Finial company hardware and a decorative valance are displayed above a blue washed table.

A great Deco inspired table along with some superb Wesco Fabrics’ samples.

Balinese furniture craftsmen are masters at using recycled teak and old carvings from the island of Madura.

19^th century Japanese kiri wood Kannon biraki tansu chest.

An eclectic mix of decorative fabrics, furniture, and unique accessories.

Looking elegant behind a Korean chest and a Thai dancer is our fabric Gypsy Lore, color Old World. It is 100% silk organza with embroidered velvet paisley appliqués.

Lime colored ceramic stool is a definitely eye catcher.

And heads it is!

Love these carved boxes from Madura Island!

White lacquered Burmese offering containers are dramatic.

Judi, our showroom manager, works with her staff at a showroom reception.

Donna works with a client on custom furniture from Bradington Young & C.R. Laine.

We have designers from around the country drop in to see what we have. Nedzad puts the finishing touch on a shipment for a designer in Dallas.

Rendezvous in Brussels

2011-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

After hosting a Wesco Fabrics’ customer trip to Italy, and a holiday in the South of France, we headed to Brussels to source decorative fabrics.

Marla peruses the latest offerings at the Mood Textile Fair.

Silk prices have gone through the roof so many Indian companies have developed new constructions with silk blends.

The Sablon area of Brussels is our favorite.

Interesting interior design boutique.

Brussels, like Paris, has many very unusual & esoteric boutiques.

A store specializing in canes!

Over-the-top window display.

What is this store trying to sell?

Flemish architecture from the 16^th century.

Hmmm…an enticing historical entranceway to a bar in the back. It’s time for a great Belgium beer!

My greatest discovery was “Patisserie Orientale.” Middle-Eastern inspired candies filled with marzipan, dates, figs, and pistachios inspire the eye and the palate.

A couple celebrates the evening in front of a Sablon area wine bar.

In a contemplative mood, I wonder “am I heading in the right direction?” “What new ideas can I bring to Wesco Fabrics?” “Should I have bought those fabrics today?”

Bringing wisdom and good counsel to the table, Marla’s smile and assurance was the elixir I needed.

We say goodnight to the Brussels’ chic.

Thank You

2011-11-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving! I give thanks and much gratitude to my family, especially my wife who is my fellow traveler, spirit guide, and loving muse for these many years! I am so thankful for great customers who support our endeavors! Our whole team at Wesco Fabrics deserves my special toast of support and thanks! To those that serve gallantly, both overseas and at home, you are amazing! I never want to take for granted the many blessings that have come my way.

May your Holiday be happy and memorable.

Doors To A Secret World

2011-11-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have taken pictures of doors on travels around the world for many years. Doors can hide a secret world or can be a portal of welcome. Ornate or simple, decorative or utilitarian, they often transmit a message about a current event or show the owner’s status. Come along as we visit some of my favorite doors.

While cycling in Tuscany I stopped to take a picture of this ancient door.

This blue door in Villefranche-sur-Mer is colorful and creative.

Tourist flock to visit Beijing's Forbidden City. Chinese Emperors once entered these red-lacquered doors.

A beautiful & bold door on Via Tragara on the island of Capri.

Balinese craftsmen are famous for their decoratively carved doors.

Wonderful carved doors on the Left Bank in Paris.

Dramatic "two post" door in Beijing.

I love the rich, painted patina of this old door in the South of France.

The entrance to Chez Odile in Biot, France.

Marla in front of the 18^th century entrance to Casa Culleretes in Barcelona.

Many generations of nobles have decorated the entrance to this building in Arezzo, Italy.

These doors in Villefranche-sur-Mer have wonderful symbolism. What do they say about the owners?

An incredible villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat must have an impressive iron door to their garden!

I took this picture of old doors while cycling in the hamlet of Santa Luce in Coastal Tuscany.

Deco inspired metal door in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

I bought this carved door from Java on a Wesco Fabrics’ buying trip to Bali. An architect shipped it to Hawaii for a project. Doors like this are becoming very scarce!

Peeking through a door at Villa Ibah in Ubud, Bali, brings back a rush of wonderful memories!

***If you have any pictures of doors that have inspired you please send them to dickgentry@wescofabrics.com.

Wesco Fabrics Outlet Online Sale

2011-11-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

There is no finer place to find sizzling fabric bargains than at http://www.wescofabricsoutlet.com/ through December 31! Imagine finding fabrics that originally sold for over $100 retail for only $8.00 retail on sale! Our Wesco Fabrics’ customers can fill their cart with goodies, then log in to their account to receive their normal trade discount on the $8.00 per yard sale price!

Let me share a few sale fabrics in the colors of the season…

Majorette, color Comanche-Red. Originally $44.98 retail, now $8.00 retail.

Piccadilly, color Blue Grass. Originally $32.98 retail, now $8.00 retail.

Polka, color Cinnabar. Originally $35.98 retail, now $8.00 retail.

San Simeon, color Pine. Originally $37.00 retail, now $8.00 retail.

Nob Hill, color Merlot-Gold. Originally $85.98 retail, now $8.00 retail.

FIND THESE BEAUTIES AND MANY MORE AT www.wescofabricsoutlet.com!

***Join me next week when I travel the world of.....doors!

Haute Couture Window Treatments

2011-11-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Michele Cornell, our Custom Workroom Manager, created an incredible runway show of window treatments inspired by fashion. View the video of the complete show at www.youtube.com/wescofabrics.

Wesco Fabrics has you covered in style!

The Secretary

2011-10-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Years ago my father-in-law Harry dictated letters to his secretary. She was fabulous with shorthand and her speed could burn up a typewriter! It was like a scene from “Mad Men.” My mother-in-law Joline had a secretary as well. I will always remember her blue IBM Selectric II typewriter on her Capiz shell topped blue desk, with the blue silk draperies, and blue silk wall coverings. Did I say she loved blue? Harry & Joline would NOT believe how business has changed today! Secretaries have evolved to administrative assistants and much expanded responsibilities. The dictated business letter is as rare a Dodo bird!

Communication today boggles my mind! Instantaneous forms of contact are the rule. We are bombarded by an amazing array of media. No wonder those of us in business have to deal with “short-attention span theatre!” We have gone from a letter in the mail, to a fax, to email, to the ever present Facebook. Did I mention the telephone call? Customer contact is now a new art form that is evolving by the day.

The Wesco Fabrics’ communication repertoire includes:

WESCO ONLINE…Our complete 24/7 online ordering site for everything from Wesco Fabrics cut yardage, Custom Window Covering Workroom, Finial & Paris Texas Custom Hardware, and Hunter Douglas products. It’s super fast and designed with prompts to eliminate mistakes.

http://www.wescofabrics.com/

WESCO FABRICS’ WEBSITE…Our complete product, services, & information site. Color fabric image searching feature and links to WESCO ONLINE.

http://www.wescofabrics.com/

WESCO FABRICS FACEBOOK…Our company Facebook site for Window Covering and Interior Design professionals.

www.facebook.com/wescofabrics

WESCO FABRICS OUTLET…Our outlet website for super fabric bargains is available to everyone. Wesco Fabrics’ customers can log in to receive their usual trade discount.

http://www.wescofabricsoutlet.com/

GENTRYCONNECTS BLOG…This is a weekly blog devoted to topics of interest from decorative fabrics, style, travel, and other areas that peek my interest.

http://www.gentryconnects.com/

I don’t want to even think what it would be like WITHOUT email today, but there is something very special about receiving a hand-written card! I give my sincere gratitude to secretaries of the past and their modern counterparts today! We love you!

***Check out this very funny Youtube video about a secretary and dictation from an early Monty Python skit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdCQwigh6H8

Fall Spectacular

2011-10-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Fall colors have been spectacular this season! Our trees are a color riot of yellows, oranges, rusts, and reds. I have combined fabulous images of the fall Colorado season with beautiful Wesco Fabrics’ patterns. This is definitely a match made in heaven!

I spotted these beautiful trees just south of the Wesco Fabrics’ warehouse. The jacquard woven fabric is Marco, color Tuscan Red.

Glistening fall leaves and the beautiful shimmering leaves of our new fabric, Meet Your Idol, color Blackstone.

A trio of trees appears to be competing for the most beautiful colors contest. Nexus, color Canyon, combines these colorations in a standout chenille plaid.

Colorado fall fantasy of turning leaves and our fabric Atrium, color Amber.

Our high country change of season is ablaze with color. The horizontal textured silk is Random Act, color Fiesta.

Denver’s prestigious 7^th Avenue parkway is alive with vibrant fall hues. Wesco’s paisley design, Shanghai, color Porcini, is a perfect fall season fabric.

Our state is famous for the changing fall display of Aspens. Chatham, color Sunset is a nice complement.

May your fall season be happy, prosperous, and very colorful!

Stocking the shelves for the big sale

2011-10-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Wesco Fabrics’ fall Denver warehouse sale has attracted customers from a multi-state area for many years. This year we have the largest selection of sale priced decorative fabrics ever! Imagine a beautiful silk formerly selling for $150 per yard retail now on sale for only $6.00! We have enlarged the fabric sale area and the shelves are packed with incredible bargains! Over 100,000 yards of fabrics from $1.00 & up! Customers also love shopping our warehouse for gorgeous unique furniture, accessories, jewelry, scarves, and vintage posters from around the globe. Interior designers have first dibs on Wednesday, October 19, from 8 to 4:30PM. We open to the public on Friday, October 21, 8-4:30PM, and Saturday, October 22, 8-2PM.

They know a fabulous find when they see it!

Rustic modern styled Suar wood, plantation grown teak, and Monkey wood tables.

Modern & rustic table & chairs.

French café style chairs.

Unusual accessory items.

A pair of Demilune tables and vintage carved panels from Madura.

Magnificent exotic carved teak bed from Madura Island.

Our selection of polished petrified wood tables is the largest in the region.

We have a great assortment this year!

***Check our online fabric outlet for fabulous fabrics on sale!

http://www.wescofabricsoutlet.com/

Creative Lightning

2011-10-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

I envy people who can find creative inspiration almost anywhere. They can read a magazine, gaze out their window, visit a museum, or daydream while having coffee, and great ideas seem to flow effortlessly. I am NOT that person. I really need to get away from my normal world of work and activities. I love scanning for the new ideas on style, color, and pattern while traveling. My scanning lens is less inhibited when I am outside my usual bubble. My photoreceptors are ramped up on trips afar. Please look at my original inspiration pictures and the eventual translation to a new Wesco decorative fabric.

An explosion of wildflowers on a Sonoma Coast hillside and Kerala color Sugar Plum.

Cire Trudon in Paris is the world’s oldest candle maker. Their plethora of colors inspired our hand-woven silk stripe, Headliner color Multi.

I purchased these Burmese pots while in Chiang Mai. Our satin embroidery, Engagement color Coffee Bean, is similarly inspired.

The storefront paint color of Depot Nicolas, on Rue Saint-Louis En L’Ille, in Paris, is beautiful. The Garnet color of our silk & viscose textured satin, Illustrous, is stunning as well!

I visited a Tibetan monastery while on a cycling trip in Tuscany. The colors of the round ceiling were vibrant and exciting. The textured stripe, Narayan color Orchid is a nice complement.

The chartreuse colored chair in the window of Sonia Rykiel left a strong impression. The memory influenced the woven jacquard scroll design, Vanishing Act color Chartreuse.

I spotted this jacket while on a “scanning” stroll on the Left Bank. Our hand-woven silk & cotton stripe, Spinner’s Delight color Tundra has the same feeling.

The store window cast me in a saturated hot pink glow. Cayman color Raspberry has a similar intensity. It’s a bit much but I like too much!

While hiking with Marla and a Colorado interior designer on Ile Sainte-Marguerite, across from Cannes, I spied these wonderful doors. The pattern Shanghai color Cypress is equally enchanting!

***FOR FUN CREATIVE IDEA INSPIRATION CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE PRESENTATION FROM OUR TRIP TO ITALY IN SEPTEMBER:

www.youtube.com/wescofabrics

What a rock

2011-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Emperor Tiberius came here to escape intrigues in Rome in 27 AD. He stayed and built 12 villas. Movie stars and celebrities have been here along with the paparazzi forever! Countless day-trippers arrive from Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, to explore the beautiful island. We brought our Wesco Fabrics’ group to Capri to experience this magnificent rock in the Tyrrhenian Sea. There is something about this island that captivates and weaves a spell lulling one into a summer stupor thinking you have found heaven.

Arriving in Marina Grande on the jet ferry we took the “funiculore” up to Capri Town passing villas and small gardens teaming with ripe tomatoes and bougainvillea on the steep hillside.

Gorgeous boutique windows lure billionaires and tourists alike. Marla fell in love with a diaphanous gown from Roberto Cavali.

Serious shopping starts in front of the Grand Hotel Quisisana and down Via Camerelle.

Bonnie, Dixie, and Marla evaluate the latest from Missoni.

This is what $500 will buy when you want a Missoni bikini!

Antica Sartoria in both Capri and Positano offers amazing values in woman’s fashion.

Gorgeous villas on Via Camerelle.

Via Tragara is a beautiful lane with luxury boutique hotels like La Scalinatella, incredible private villas hidden behind stone walls, and amazing vistas of the sea.

Seating area of a private villa.

All I can say is “WOW!”

Time for our close-up.

The steep path on Via Faraglioni gave no hint to the visual treats in store for our guests. I had a reservation at La Fontelina for lunch and their private swimming area. Everyone went crazy when we came around a bend and could see the Faraglioni rocks below!

La Fontelina doesn’t look like much with its flimsy construction built on a rocky cliff. A good wind would probably blow it down. What it has is an unparalleled pedigree, with patrons like Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Onassis, Valentino, Elton John, and Beyonce. The famous and not-so-famous alike have treasured the restaurant for the freshest seafood and the lido on the rocks by the sea.

The scene.

To be honest, I didn’t mind my little foray on the turf (or rocks) of the mega rich and super celebs!

A few seafood platters, insalata Caprese, chilled wine, and a Peroni or two, made for a perfect lunch.

Marla looks beautiful as she channels her best Sophia Loren from “It started in Naples.”

It’s time to sleep and take in the warm Mediterranean sun. This is definitely my kind of extravagance! “Someone better turn Bob over!”

No one felt like a heart attack on the trail back to town and we didn’t have a yacht, so we took the boat over to Marina Piccola. “Is that Roman Abramovich’s yacht in the bay?” “Which one? He has five super yachts!”

We boarded the jet ferry back to Positano with many very happy memories. I can’t wait to return to this wonderful rock!

Hanging with the rich and famous in Italy

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From the Naples airport straight to Pompeii??? Our gorgeous guide kept the Wesco Fabrics group awake after an overnight flight. She gave us special access to this Roman city buried by the famous eruption in 79AD. From here to Positano, the group found the winding road breathtaking and sometimes a little unnerving with all the tight turns and steep drop-offs.

Positano was discovered long ago by seafaring Greeks, a few Roman Emperors, and Saracen pirates. The allure of this magical village and sparkling azure sea has hooked even the most jaded travelers from Hemingway, Steinbeck, Rudolf Nureyev, and even Danny Devito. Marla and I fell hopelessly in love with this jewel box of colorful stacked villas on the hillside, and impossibly steep stairs a number of years ago. It is definitely a special place of enchantment.

Our group rallied, ending their arrival day with a lovely dinner at Lo Guarracino and a mesmerizing view!

Calm seas and warm sun set the tone for a day of coastal exploration.

Amalfi’s famous 13^th century Cathedral of Saint Andrew is really stunning. The Crypt is decorated with frescoes from the 16^th century.

The winding road to Ravello is a 100o feet up the hill above Amalfi. After lunch at Villa Maria we toured the incredible Cimbrone Gardens.

Cimbrone’s Temple of Bacchus is one of the wonderful garden’s many special visual treats.

High above Positano in the village of Montepertuso is La Tagliata, one of our favorites.

The sunset view previewed the fabulous dining experience.

The chefs and the waiters brought platter after platter of regional delicacies for course after course.

Dixie wanted to see the kitchen so “Momma” invited all of us in for a tour.

Positano’s main beach is a little manic, so we took the path to quieter Fornillo Beach.

Ferdinando is a great café at this private beach. My favorite formula is a Peroni, insalata mista, and a plate of bruschetta. “Yumm!”

Beautiful art galleries and fashion boutiques are abundant on via dei Mulino. “I must have those incredible sandals!” can be heard in English, Russian, or Chinese.

Bonnie owns a furniture and design business in California and KNOWS how to shop!

Annette, Kathy, and Marla share shopping notes.

Bob, Dixie, Sandy and Jack enjoy cocktails & camaraderie on the terrace of the Buca di Bacco, our favorite place to hangout before dinner.

Russ and Dick “hanging with the guys.”

Wine and laughter was on the menu for our last dinner in Positano.

Russ & Bonnie savor breakfast on the terrace.

We truly had a great time with our Wesco Fabrics’ customers on this trip! Wesco Fabrics’ adventurers have traveled to Bali, Thailand, France, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Hawaii, and now Italy. Though we are all back home in our offices, fabulous memories remain of the wonderful times in Positano and the Amalfi Coast!

NEXT WEEK…INCREDIBLE CAPRI!!!

The Dinner Party

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It seems people don’t have many dinner parties today. It might be our busy lifestyles, or possibly we are a little lazy. Everyone loves to be transported to a festive and colorful place. The dinner party is the perfect vehicle for a visual and culinary escape. An elegant event often enhances the cuisine, the wine, and the conversation. We don’t have to recreate a mandarin’s palace or Versailles to create a beautiful party for you and your guests.

A few yards of a sparkling fabric and a few flowers transformed a dining table to something exotic and unique. Bring out the objets d’arts that have been hiding in your cabinet and work it into your table top design.

Our daughter Lisa has inherited dinner party DNA from her mom and grandmother.

Let your creativity shine. Why dial back the look? As my grandson once said… “I like too much!”

I designed this romantic setting for our showroom in the Denver Design District. Purple satin, metallic tissue, orchids and amethyst geodes….Dim the lights and crack open the Champagne!

Your table will, of course, fit the style of the evening. With guests like these you can probably get by with just paper plates,….and a lot of luck!

Everyone Needs A Stylist

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Our daughter Stacy attended a really big high school reunion recently. When her best friend from college heard about it, he called insisting that she use his twelve point check list for reunions. Patrick is in public relations in LA specializing in luxury brands and knows about this stuff. He called everyday concerned about her outfit choices. One day he called and asked, “Tell me, what is your hair doing now?”

PATRICK’S TWELVE POINT CHECKLIST FOR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION PREP

(Stacy told me she had a checklist of her own but found his very "LA" which we all found very humorous!)

1. 2 weeks out…hair highlight.

2. 1 week out…no carbs.

3. 1 week out…no alcohol.

4. 1 week out…double check outfit & accessories.

5. 1 week out…facial.

6. 1 week out…teeth whitening.

7. 2 days out…cleanse.

8. 2 days out…massage.

9. 2 days out…manicure/pedicure.

10. 2 days out…spray tan.

11. “Remember, this is high school, not college. Review yearbook ASAP!”

12. Cram world news for talking points.

Stacy looked ravishing for her reunion, but I may use Patrick’s plan for my next big reunion. I will have trouble with the no carbs & no alcohol part! Spanx for men?

Logo Evolution

2011-09-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the 65^th anniversary of our company, we launched a brand new logo design! The new WF style was voted the overwhelming favorite by our staff, sales people and customers. The image above is from our new catalog featuring the season’s hot colorway, citron and gray.

The design is both modern and classical.

Our fabric sample books feature the new look branding in a colorful way.

Our Gentry Collection sample identity remains the same. I love this design.

In the 1950’s we used a cursive font which lasted for many years.

This ad ran in a trade newspaper in the early 1960’s. Check out the simple postal code and telephone number!

1967 Wesco Fabrics catalog.

Even our Denver headquarters building has cursive signage. It’s too classic to ever think of changing!

1973 letterhead with our ribbon style logo in blue and pink. Marla’s mother loved blue and used blue silk in her office at Wesco Fabrics.

Wesco’s sampling and logo in the 1970’s was a bit psychedelic, but we loved it at the time!

Print samples back in the day.

Our logo was tweaked in this 1980’s brochure.

I helped design our showroom in Dallas in the 1980’s. It was influenced by our logo and sample book colors. It’s fun to look back at it now, but we thought it was pretty cool at the time.

The Wesco Fabrics’ ribbon style logo is shown in the office window of our warehouse showroom in Ohio in the 1980’s. Earth tones were becoming popular at the time. I designed the furniture and had a Denver craftsman do the fabrication. I had him build a custom heating device to bend the heavy clear acrylic chairs.

We loved using this logo for its versatility with our sample books.

Our logo evolution is a fascinating journey from early corporate origins to where we are today.

Beautiful New Fabrics

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Our newest decorative fabrics were shown to a great group of interior designers in the Wesco Fabrics’ showroom in the Denver Design District. I love romancing our latest offerings and schmoozing with new and old associates.

Marla invited the 60 designers in attendance to the upcoming Denver Design District all showroom sample sale September 7 & 8 for designers and September 9 & 10 for the public. Everything in the Wesco Fabrics’ showroom will be on sale during those days to make room for new inventory. She reminded them of the August $8.00 retail per yard fabric at our outlet , http://www.wescofabricsoutlet.com/.

Kathy Greaser shows a wonderful new silk blended jacquard woven fabric, Make A Discovery, color Raspberry, from our new Gentry Collection sample book, True To Life. Gorgeous fabric!

Every new fabric has a tale to tell. We searched many major worldwide textile markets to find the exciting and unique.

Judi & Donna were responsible for all the delightful edibles served after the presentation!

Designers love a great lunch!

Khristy takes a closer look at all our new beauties.