I would like to begin my very first blog for neofundi by introducing myself. My name is Chiara, I am an interior designer and have my own design company called Luca Designs. I am so excited to have been given this opportunity to share what inspires me in my trade and life with like minded, design conscious, stylish fundis! I hope this is the first of many exciting, ultra cool thoughts and images. 

I recently attended a trend talk at the gorgeous Home Fabrics Kramerville showroom, and was so inspired by some of the key design notes which were addressed by Garth Wastie, and the psychology behind them. Concepts of how, within an international framework, there is a distinct need for travel- an escape, a treat, a break. and a desire for and movement away from modernism toward excess and opulence, quite probably brought on by our current economic climate.

I was captured by Christian Lacroix for Designer’s Guild’s Spring 2014 range- Belles Rives, quite clearly denoting the above concepts in a luxurious flambuoyant fashion which Lacroix does best! He transports us to arguably the most glamorous destination- the French Riviera, his inspiration for this season. It’s wild playfulness of eccentric leopard print design “Santo Sospir” and bold botanicals “Jardin Exo- Chic” are richly decadent and just what I’ve been waiting for! These designs capture and create a definitely French atmosphere, one could be at the indulgent Villa Romana in St Tropez for a night of dancing on tables and endless champagne.

He plays with both soft and hard geometry. We’re soaking up the sun with the bold nautical stripe in luxe hot pink & black “Cabonan” design, reminiscent of summer days spent at le Club 55. We’re Coco Chanel-ing with the soft organic gestures of “Pearls ”in colour Caviar.

He has us falling in love. The Belles Rives range is vivid, captivating, and more than anything it’s ridiculously fun. The imagery makes us feel like we’re sipping bubbles and rubbing shoulders with the who’s who at Cipriani in Monaco. We’re dripping in jewels for a night out at Café de Paris with the fabric “Le Main au Collet” in colour Piscine (below) depicting a digitally printed image of the jewellery stolen in the famous 50s Hitchcock heist 'To Catch A Thief'.

We’re French & fabulous with this new range of fabrics and wallpapers from Christain Lacroix for Designer’s Guild, available at Home Fabrics. I think what inspires me the most out of this range is the message I take form it, you can be anyone and do anything AND do it with style and glamour. Be bold, electric & eccentric with Lacroix.

All images from the Designer’s Guild website.