Old World Wearvers from Scalamandre
Old World Weavers is considered one of the most respected luxury textile brands in the industry and is known for its blend of sophisticated historical design, and an exotic, world traveled aesthetic. Remaining true to its foundation of beautiful design and standard in quality, Old World Weavers’ collections remain rich with history and adventure, while incorporating a unique and independent aesthetic, relevant to both the brand and contemporary trends.
Drawing from global adventures and time spent exploring abroad, Iris Apfel brought her overseas inspiration to life and founded Old World Weavers in 1950.
Iris Apfel an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon started Old World Weavers with her husband Carl Apfel. With an interior decoration business already established, the Apfels were making frequent trips to European flea markets and the bazaars and souks of North Africa, sourcing furniture and vintage and antique fabrics for some of America's finest houses. The Apfels set up Old World Weavers to replicate the historic fabrics they found on their travels, sourcing the specialist looms and weavers needed to recreate them wherever in the world they were. No fewer than nine administrations of the White House became their clientele.
Today:
In 1992 Old World Weavers was sold to Stark Carpet. In 2017 Scalamandré and Stark Fabric & Wallcovering partnered to create The House of Scalamandré. Today the House of Scalamandré continues to issue some of their greatest hits. From a Warholian waterfall of banknotes to gold damask originally designed for the Kennedys, they show the breadth and detail of the Apfels' imagination, and their brilliantly exuberant eccentricity. Together with Scalamandré, Old World Weavers is a fabric house whose fabulous designs referencing historical patterns are as wonderful now as ever.
