We want to welcome the newest arrival - Franquemont London, and their collection of classical eccentric interior fabrics. Our textile director, Becky, sits down with Svetlana, owner and creative force behind Franquemont, for a heart-to-heart discussion on life, passions, and the resplendent tapestry that is their textile line.
For those of us newly acquainted with Svetlana's story, she hails from a quaint Dutch village, ingrained with diverse cultural influences from her mixed heritage. Her international upbringing and education ripened into a successful career spanning several European cities, ultimately drawing her back to Amsterdam – thanks to career advancements and familial ties.
Svetlana's inspiration stems from the wells of history, where artistic legacies pave the way for her contemporary creations. As for the name 'Franquemont London,' it reflects a deep homage to Carolina Josephina von Franquemont's pioneering spirit in textile art - a name that encapsulates Svetlana's own journey in reviving traditional batik for modern interiors.
Images from left to right: The pioneering Batik patterns of Carolina Josephina von Franquemont, the brand's namesake, and Svetlana's current home, Amsterdam.
Diving right into our conversation, if you were a character from a book, who would you resonate with the most?
S: I'd love to be a character in one of Haruki Murakami's novels. Such a talented writer and I've read all his books. Can't wait to read his latest one.
What is one thing you are deeply passionate about?
S: Deeply passionate about our three children: Marie-Caroline, Jacques & Gilles and of course Franquemont. I also love researching historic textiles, the stories behind them, behind the artists and the techniques. At Franquemont we seek to tell and honour all these wonderful stories and history through each of our collections and designs.
Was there a different career you tried before this one?
S: I have a background in Sociology and a Masters in European Social Policy from the London School of Economics. Before I designed my first collection and started Franquemont, I had a nearly 10 year corporate career at Dutch multinational Philips. I worked in the government affairs department (in the Brussels and Amsterdam offices), where I managed relations with the European Union and other international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and the United Nations.
Name 3 adjectives to describe your textile collection.
S: Eccentric, classical, sophisticated
Revel in the world where history meets innovation through Franquemont’s singular textiles; now available at Fritz Porter, where every piece woven comes with a story treasured, a history honored, and a future anticipated.