Gypsy-Folk style
Often people ask me: “how would you define your style? Since you are a bedding designer, what style is YOUR bedroom?”
Then I opened up Maison Cote Est (Nov issue) and there it was… Gypsy.
I usually say I am a “Modern Bohemian” and perhaps that is a better definition of my personal style, but the heart and soul of my style and creativity comes from what can best be described as “Gypsy”
Here are the Gypsy pages in Cote Est that reflect a love and passion for textiles, my own first love. (Product design a close second) It’s everything mixed together, with no worry if it matches, or care if it even coordinates. Just straight up display of textiles found from ‘round the world.
…And here (below) is my bedroom, with my own rug design, and textiles from
India, China, and Indonesia living together comfortably, in a bold red room.
Below, the living room in my tiny cottage in San Francisco 
which reflects a Gypsy style with my own art, and photography bought on my
travels around the world, and of course, Textiles I can’t live without.
If I could, I ‘d show you my Studio where all of my worldly textiles live- but,
well, it’s a mess so forget it.
Below is more of the gypsy style featured in Cote Est:
I am showing this entire spread because it is inspiring. Gypsy can be toned down with
lots of white around it, using bits and pieces of colorful textiles that have non- matching
patterns, but have some colors that work together. It works with the entire “folk- style”
product we have been seeing for a while (Note Vogue Living “that’s all folk” below)
Playful, folk and craft are not leaving yet. In reality, it seems to be a timeless style, which touches our hearts with familiar imagery and color. Cuckoo clocks, felted babushka dolls, and felt décor, hand embroideries, fabric and pattern mixing, birds, bright colors and red, are all part of the equation.
By the way, if you haven’t heard of the “craft revolution” yet, then you need to crawl out from under that rock you’ve been sleeping under and pull out your stitch witchery, get some fabric and start making things! Long ago people used to make things for themselves, and the people they love, it is something which is coming back to life. If you have a store and you can offer your customers do it yourself kits which make just about anything- it really makes them happy to know they can make something without doing the legwork to find materials- but will still be made by their own hands.
Along the same lines, think of new creative ways to show your textile product in your store. Pretty soon you’re going to be putting new spring product and bedding on display, throw in some handcrafted toys- get rid of the plastic pink stuff, and mix your furniture styles together. Think like a gypsy, and mix it up!
Nona commented:
That takes us up to the next level. Great potisng.
Anupom commented:
December 7, 2011 I rlaely like your idea. Folk is a bit difficult to put in everyday style because it is so country. and the colors and patterns rlaely go wonderfully in the countryside.but your design of the jacket in the other post was wonderful!i think as long as you mix this style with very modern pieces and cuts, then it will definitely be a great hit!i would personally buy that jacket and any other you offer.also, for example.. the aztec print is very popular, esp in america. imagine you incorporate a heavy wool jackets with a slavic folk design, is that what you are doing? slavic folk, russian, etc? not sure.what would look great as well are shift dresses, blazers, jackets, and long sleeve tunics/fitted boy fit button down(kind of like the checkered/plaid patterns in style right now).
abarnett commented:
Stop calling it "gypsy". If you knew anything about the actual Rromani people, you would know that using that word is a slur against us, and is hurtful and offensive, just as bad as any other inappropriate racial slur. Educate yourself, gadje.
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