Nantucket by Design, one of the most highly anticipated design events of the summer season, is only three months away (July 14-17). Bringing together world-renowned talent through panels, keynotes, master classes and more, participants will celebrate the power of great design and its connections with Nantucket’s own iconic design legacy.
I am delighted to be moderating the signature Design Luncheon with this year’s speaker Patrick Frey, the patriarch of the renowned Maison Pierre Frey. An esteemed figure in the world of interiors and design, Patrick is known for his passion, creativity and extensive knowledge. It’s no secret that I am a longtime admirer of the maison and am thrilled to be sharing Patrick’s insights and charm with attendees.
Perfectly aligning with this year’s interdisciplinary theme, Interwoven, as well as the Nantucket Historical Association’s summer exhibit, Behind the Seams: Clothing and Textiles on Nantucket, our conversation, The Transportive Power of Textiles – Bringing the World Home, will cover the global cultural influences seen in textile design, then and now.
Aficionados of interior design will find the topic fascinating for its beauty, history and relevance. Through centuries, textiles have been instrumental in making crucial connections between art, commerce, craft and the development of global style. So much can be gleaned about society, politics, and culture from the subject matter, styles, and materials.
Just as legacy and craftsmanship are enduring themes for Nantucket design, so are they for Pierre Frey. A fiercely independent family business, handed down for three generations (Patrick Frey and three sons, above, lead the company), this august firm is also a dedicated caretaker of history. Their archives are committed to preserving exceptional textile heritage, with over 25,000 documents and drawings from the 16th century to the present. (watch a visit to the archives) Over the years, they have gradually acquired important textile and design houses which might otherwise have disappeared, saving not just the textiles (and in Zuber’s case, wallpapers) but in many cases the historical legacy, craftsmanship and artisanal know how. As a longtime admirer of Pierre Frey, I have written about them on numerous occasions.
Both the NHA and Pierre Frey are dedicated to looking back to move forward, preserving the past to inform the future, “combining tradition and modernity, know-how and creative skill, history and innovation.”
I look forward to seeing you! Leadership tickets are available now to assure attendance at all events and individual tickets will go on sale April 28th. You’ll be inspired, informed and entertained!
