We call this very special pattern of
cotton fabric decorated with flowers "Indiennes." They
are very ancient and their history is quite interesting.
As early as 1500 colorful cotton fabrics were imported to France
from India (thus the name "indienne," meaning from
India). They quickly became very popular, as printed fabrics
had not yet been discovered in France
By 1600, the "indienne" were
widely used for dresses as well as for house linens. They became
so successful and drained so much money from France, that King
Louis XIV decided to forbid their purchase. However, Marseilles
had the special status of being a "duty free" port,
and, of course, the local
fabric industry took this opportunity to produce these so often
requested printed cotton fabrics. The designs were adapted to
accommodate local tastes, using bright, sunny colors, bouquets
and flowers in numerous patterns. They were still called "indiennes."
Until 1910, these fabrics were used
to decorate homes and to make clothes for men and women. After
that, the large department stores with their industrial cotton
fabrics flooded the market.
Our tablecloths are inspired by these
forgotten printed cotton pieces, with some of the ancient patterns
adapted to our tastes. They are colorful and bright, fresh and
full of life. They will bring a glimpse of our sunny Provencal
way of life to your own home.
Tablecloth in "indienne"
pattern
To contact us
Toll free number
1-866-841-2188
or: 781-431-0443