Welcome
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Founded in New York City in 1987 as an inspiration resource, the Andrea Aranow Textile Design Collection has been used by textile and surface designers of the most exacting standards.
“The scope of the material in the textile design archive reflects my various curiosities over the decades. I rarely passed up an opportunity for a new technique or a handmade piece of unknown origin. What had began as a personal study collection became so much more. It was a great pleasure working directly with so many designers over the years, but I am most pleased that the new iteration will allow my textiles to be further utilized in weaving the future.”
Historical photos of the collection
The collection’s diverse perspective helps designers garner inspiration from unique cultural and historical sources worldwide, with over 40,000 textiles spanning 50 countries. Since its establishment, the Andrea Aranow Textile Design Collection has inspired noted clients including Ralph Lauren, Vuitton, Marni, Dries van Noten, Abercrombie & Fitch and UNIQLO. The Collection has provided design inspiration to apparel, footwear, wallpaper, upholstery, and stationery industries.
The breadth and depth of the textile designs in the collection are exceptional, showcasing aesthetic styles and visual art development from around the world. For whimsical prints, members can peruse French nautical themes, Japanese waves, and 1950s Americana assemblages. Vivid color inspiration can be found in original 1970’s artwork from New York, while appliques from Panama and African strip weaving are bound to captivate.
Handcrafted highlights from the Collection include block-printed linens from England and stenciled kimono silks. The woven selection offers every surface from Japanese crepes to French tissue picks, voided velvets, and jacquards. The needlework section includes French curtains, Victorian laces, and detailed eyelets for simple elegance.
In 2009 Caleb Sayan moved the collection to Portland, Oregon, and began the project to digitize the contents of the Andrea Aranow Textile Design Collection so that it might be utilized by a wider and more diverse audience. Learn more about how you can access the collection here.
“Combining the extraordinary physical design archive with its innovative digital counterpart we strive to inspire the makers of tomorrow. ”
