What’s the inspiration behind the collection?
Every collection starts by taking a broader picture of Zoffany’s whole portfolio. The potential to layer is essential. We then introduce interest and newness to ensure that our collections meet the needs of our distinguished designers.

Following the launch of our beautifully refined Suffolk damask collection, we wanted to showcase a more relaxed side to Zoffany, offering a more nuanced and textural aesthetic. What better way to do this than by paying homage to the rich heritage of Indian textiles with Indienne: inspired designs printed on various cloths that lend themselves to grand yet relaxed living. They’re timeworn treasures that wow designers time and time again.

What was the starting point for this collection?
Some of Zoffany’s most iconic designs were realized in past Indienne collections. We felt it was time to revisit these, as well as delving back into the archive with fresh eyes to see what other gems we could bring to the fore. Indienne has been a journey of discovery; an opportunity to collaborate with contemporary artists; and a chance to exemplify heritage craft, mixing in inspiration from the archive, which underpins it all. We looked to artisans of the past to create this exceptional assortment, and we have also partnered with emerging talents. As with all Zoffany collections, the collaboration is with the artist and maker. We celebrate this in every guise. 

These are our masterpieces of the future. While our inspiration is undoubtedly the past, our motivation comes from the desire to make these exquisite designs relevant for today’s interiors. The result is a really special collection.

What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?
The selected colorways have a modernity that transforms the designs entirely. From Artisan Palampore in this delicious Primrose color to Mughal Menagerie in Mazarine Blue, the freshness entices you. And I would be remiss if I did not mention our exquisite mural piece by QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) scholar and artist Charlie Calder-Potts: Lost Lands is a deeply thoughtful mural that reflects the childhood home as a place of foundation, growth and magic. Subtle yet evocative, with animals hiding among the trees and shrubs, it conveys a timeless journey of imagination. It’s earnest yet a little cheeky, and embraces technique, tradition and modernity all at once—perfectly encapsulating Indienne as a collection while being completely unique.

What piece are you personally most excited to unveil?
With such a varied collection of handwriting and archival elements as reference points, there is so much individual beauty to celebrate. Sometimes it’s the subtlety of the simpler pieces that resonates. And I love the cork wallpaper, Marquetry Trellis, for its textural intrigue. Inspired by the intricate inlays of traditional marquetry, it delights in its precision and plays with geometric detailing, its cork design creating a wood-clad effect.

There is also an exceptional hand-block-printed design, Sanganeri, which wonderfully encapsulates the integrity of the collection. It honors the craft of its origin while celebrating those same skills today by incorporating them. Combining printing on interesting substrates with such intricate designs has created something elegant yet unexpected. For me, the beauty is in surprising elements like this.

How do you feel this collection pushes the brand forward?
The last Indienne collection we produced was 10 years ago. Since then, we’ve welcomed a new generation of interior designers—rising industry stars. They’re seeing this kind of archival work for the first time in some instances, and using Indiennes in vastly different ways. Witnessing how the next generation interacts with archival pieces is both thrilling and reassuring. The rediscovery, retelling and reinterpreting of these designs transforms them into contemporary pieces.

For Zoffany, we push forward through our commitment to heritage design and embracing advancing technologies and digital capabilities, finely balancing the two from design to production. Modern processes mix in age-old craftsmanship for the finest results. It could be pairing textured wallpaper bases with stunning printed designs or showing the full extent of impressively large block-printed documents. As an example, Tree of Life is a three-meter-tall [nearly 10 feet] mural piece that requires a multitude of blocks to create through digital printing. The results are staggering.

How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?
As with every collection we design, you can layer the patterns like pieces of art across the portfolio into schemes. Indienne’s balancing of the archival and contemporary makes it a special collection that honors craftsmanship and uplifts interiors. It’s for those who appreciate the art in design.

Tell us about the materials in this collection. Are there certain materials used throughout, and/or a material that is a highlight on a particular piece?
Indienne is a feast of technique and materiality. The collection is very textural, using natural fabrics such as linen, cork and hemp. It’s as much about the feel and handle as it is about the print and design. Technically, we’ve added new layers of texture as well by overprinting ink on linen for a tactile experience. Then there are spray-dyed embroidered paisleys for a modern take on a traditional motif. These techniques come together to foster a feeling of understated elegance across the entire selection.

Can the collection be customized? What options are possible?
While this isn’t a customizable collection, we encourage an open dialogue with designers to come and discover our portfolio and work with us. We have purposely kept the wonderfully ornate borders on most of the print designs, allowing designers to use them in their own way to create a bespoke look for upholsteries and window treatments. We give them the tools to be creative.

How do you envision designers using this collection?
We really hope they create their own unique masterpieces in interiors.