Warners fabrics the furnishing aristocrats

Press, 23 September 1987, Page 25

Warners fabrics the furnishing aristocrats

Warners fabrics are among the aristocrats of the furnishing world. Strictly traditional English drawing room, they are “quite special” and appreciate in value in the same way as an antique, says Jeanne Cooper, the advertising manager for McKenzie and Willis. Using them as an investment is one reason people buy them. In 15-20 years time the purchaser could expect them to be worth more than the original price, she says. McKenzie and Willis, who have stocked Warners fabrics for well over 20 years, are featuring at present a wide range of the fabrics in their large new store,, formerly A. J. White in High Street Warners fabrics originated in England in the late seventeenth century. Their designs set them apart from other fabrics. Typical are the adaptations of Oriental patterns taken from Japanese screens or Chinese silk patterns. Maple leaves, English birds and bordered patterns feature frequently. Mexican Aztec-in-spired patterns are popular at present The fabric is made from fine denier Egyptian cotton which has a very close weave and is

thus hard-wearing. Warners, who have design studios In London and New York, also make chintzes and linen. Jeanne Cooper says that the store stocks a wide range of fabrics that will fit all colour schemes. . Although the price per metre might initially, seem high to the customer, she says it has to be remembered the value they are getting for their money. It would be many years before the fabric would have to be replaced, and the designs are such that people do not tire of them. “It is s<2 per metre, but not many fabrics retail at less than 141 a metre today,” she says. If the customer chooses a fabric which is not in stock, it can be airfreighted to New Zealand, but will then cost around $Bl per metre, she says. Warners fabrics can also be used for upholstery and the patterns lend themselves particularly well to that. The pattern centres can be used for cushions and the borders for valances. McKenzie and Willis also have the book of coordinating wallpapers, the “Silk Route,” for those who want to coordinate all their furnishings.