There were WAY too many cats and dogs dressed in medieval garb for my taste at Heimtextil, the world’s largest trade fair for home textiles in Frankfurt, Germany. They weren’t roaming the aisles in the literal sense, but did so figuratively, showing up on pillow after tapestry pillow, just as they have for many years. These designs are targeted to a traditional user, albeit a whimsical one, and generally to adults.
Roses Design offered some of the best quality examples of this style in their stand in Hall 9. Dressed up dogs and cats appeared along side of fancy, multi-colored lace table cloths, elaborate velvet pillows with giant beads arranged in wonderful floral figures and Burberry look-alike plaid throws done in an eye-catching Pinky-Purple color and backed with shaggy faux fur.
When I came across fabrics with modern designs featuring household pets that are both tasteful and fun, I had to take notice. I also felt compelled to highlight them for their contrast to the old standards.
The patterns, shown on interiors fabrics, come from one of the companies I always look forward to visiting at Heimtextil, Christian Fischbacher. They feature animals wearing crowns, playing drums or frolicking in a patchwork that alternates Black and White pets with sweet Pink hearts. This light hearted group, an addition to the Max & Moritz collection and called Dogs Party, is clearly meant for children but they still have more potential than the ones for adults in my book. I think they are immensely saleable.