Paola Ribera, jury member of the 16th GANDIABLASCO Contest

August 9, 2024 | Contest /

Hi Paola, how are you? Thank you for being part of the jury for our contest. We look forward to seeing you soon at La Casa Gandia Blasco.

 

As an architect with a background in business administration, you have an impressive career. You’ve been the Creative Director of Texathenea S.L for over 10 years, leading the development of fabrics and prints for various applications including decoration, upholstery, bedding, kitchen, outdoor furniture, and contract textiles. Your brand is a benchmark in the textile industry.

Paola Ribera Hérnandez Portrait


 

 

We’d like to ask you a few questions about outdoor upholstered furniture and your experience with textiles. We also want to hear your thoughts on the theme of this year’s competition: the design of outdoor upholstered furniture, a technique that has traditionally been reserved for indoor use, until now.

Paola Ribera Interview

Creative Director of Texathenea S.L

 

 

Paola, as Creative Director of Texathenea, you have worked with a variety of textile applications. What is your perspective on the transition from indoor to outdoor upholstered furniture?

 

The needs of our homes evolve over time. In recent years, outdoor spaces have become significantly more important.

Development of digitally printed design collections
©Texathenea


 

Nowadays, outdoor space is seen as a natural extension of the indoor space; the boundaries between them are blurred, creating environments where comfort and well-being are prioritised. Consequently, there is less distinction between the furniture in these two spaces

 

Outdoor furniture has become a part of our daily lives, designed for comfort and to blend naturally with the rest of the house.

 

 

From your experience, how has the outdoor textile market evolved in recent years, and what do you think of the new trend of upholstered outdoor furniture design?

The trend in outdoor upholstered fabrics leans towards styles that resemble natural fabrics. The main objective is to transfer the look and comfort of indoor sofas to outdoor furniture.

 

This is achieved through various techniques and fabrics with volumes and textures: quilting, thick coloured threads, and three-dimensional structures. Natural and powdered colours dominate, with occasional accents of more intense colours in details, like fantasy threads, seams, or decorative cushions.

 

There’s also a growing trend towards sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester.

Development of fabrics using natural and mineral dyes
©Texathenea


What do you consider essential when developing fabrics for outdoor furniture?

 

The primary considerations for outdoor fabrics are strength and durability. These fabrics must withstand weather conditions and most importantly, be suitable for upholstery, using materials like solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, olefin, and polyester. Surface treatments to improve light fastness are also important.

Collection with hemp fibers
©Texathenea


 

 

Additionally, the inner padding of the furniture must be suitable for outdoor use. Reticulated foams, which aid in drying, enhance durability.

 

 

What demands or needs do you see between the fashion and furniture industries in terms of prints, colours, upholstery, materials, and sustainable solutions?

 

The fashion industry constantly influences home decor trends. Colours, materials, and prints trending in the fashion world often appear in home textiles the following year. Innovations in fashion affect many aspects of home decoration.

Development of fabrics using natural and mineral dyes
©Texathenea


 

Sustainable options are increasingly sought after, with recycled fibres from recovered plastics or reused textiles being more and more prominent. Manufacturers are also focusing on greener production methods, reducing their water and chemical use.

 

There’s a growing trend towards natural aesthetics, with textures and colours that mimic materials like cotton and linen.

From your point of view, what role do plants and the integration of nature play in the design of outdoor textiles?

 

The integration of plants and nature in outdoor textile design is fundamental. Nature inspires both indoor and outdoor home decoration. This is reflected in textures, patterns, and colours that evoke the earth, creating a connection with the environment.

Development of fabrics using natural and mineral dyes
©Texathenea


 

Natural-looking fabrics like cotton, jute, and linen provide comfort and a sense of connection with nature.

 

Incorporating elements of nature into textile design emphasises the emotional bond between people and the natural environment, fostering well-being and tranquility where people can relax and enjoy nature.

 

Thank you very much!

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