What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?
The collection was born out of a distinct aesthetic need. Michael S. Smith approached us with a challenge: As an interior designer, he noticed a significant gap in the market for performance fabrics that possessed the soulful patina, print marks and depth of true archival pieces. The inspiration stems from a desire to bring the sophisticated, lived-in feel of an interior space out into the open air, combining the romance of history with the realities of modern living.

What was the starting point for this collaboration?
The starting point was wonderfully fluid and conversational. Michael brought us a series of snippets, antique textile fragments and vintage images to serve as conversation prompts. From there, we delved into the Zoffany archive. Together with our archivists, we pulled out historical narratives and design elements that could be reimagined, resulting in a truly organic collaboration.

Our relationship with Michael is deeply multifaceted. We have long admired his work, and he is a vital business partner who showcases Zoffany in his Los Angeles showroom and is familiar with our U.K. manufacturing facilities. Because of this existing relationship (and the fact that Zoffany both possesses an extensive archive and maintains premier partnerships with expert weavers), we were uniquely positioned to bring his specific vision to life. This synergy extended all the way to the marketing and creative direction, drawing inspiration from the timeless, cultured world of Cecil Beaton for the collection’s debut.

How do you feel the collection pushes the brand forward?
This marks Zoffany’s very first venture into the outdoor category, which is an incredibly fast-growing sector of the luxury market. It pushes us forward by proving that hertiage doesn’t have to be compromised to coexist with performance. We have treated this range with the same integrity, artistry and reverence for design that we apply to our traditional interior collections.

How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?
In the United States, designers seamlessly mix indoor and outdoor luxury, so this collection was meticulously engineered to stand as its own beautifully coordinated world. Led by Michael’s eye for spatial application, the color palettes, varying scales, and rich mixtures of textured weaves and plain fabrics allow designers to build a completely layered look. It brings a grounded, interior-led sensibility to our portfolio that feels entirely complementary to the Zoffany ethos.

What about the collection feels fresh and exciting?
The most exciting element is the tension between antiquity and permanence. Michael loves the look of antique fabrics, but recognizes that they continue to break down and fade under standard use. By utilizing cutting-edge performance yarns, we’ve captured the illusion of a beautifully aged vintage fabric, but we have imbued it with durability and weather resistance.

What piece are you most excited to unveil?
Our hero design is Lily Stripe. To achieve its unique look, we took the print mark from the reverse side of an original archival document, offering a fresh, sophisticated rendition of a historical textile design.

Tell us about the materials in this collection. Are there certain materials used throughout, and/or one that is a highlight on a particular piece?
The collection is entirely performance-focused, highlighting the incredible technological evolution of outdoor textiles. The industry has advanced to a point where these yarns are almost impossible to distinguish from natural versions. The variety of complex colors and rich textures now available in performance yarns allows for unprecedented versatility, giving these fabrics visual depth and a remarkably soft hand.

How do you envision designers using this collection?
Because the aesthetic is so deeply interior-led, it is by no means restricted to the outdoors. It was designed to fit naturally into a classic home without screaming that it is brand-new. The comprehensive color story and rich textures translate effortlessly across regional styles, from a historic East Coast environment to a light, relaxed and breezy West Coast ambience.

Can the collection be customized? What kind of options are possible?
At Zoffany, we pride ourselves on being collaborative partners for the design community, meaning everything is ultimately a conversation. Because we own our own factories, we are uniquely agile. Customization options, dependent on project scale and yardage requirements, are always a possibility, and we are happy to explore any bespoke needs.