Since the beginning of our Jasmin Khezri ready-to-wear collection, we have collaborated with La Maison Pierre Frey to create jackets and vests. Most of them are reversible and, more recently, some have been designed specifically for outdoor use. These fabrics do not look technical at all, but typical of Pierre Frey, simply beautiful, inspiring and always unexpected.
For the summer issue of Sotheby’s ‘S Magazine, we spoke to owner and artistic director Patrick Frey about designing fabrics for the outdoors.
IRMA: Why do you think the outdoor space is becoming more and more important in architecture, in a house (garden) or a flat (terrace)?
PATRICK FREY: These outdoor spaces have become more important since the economic downturn. People have realised that being outside is important and can be a rare commodity. They are taking more care of their exteriors, which are an extension of their interiors and provide real added value.
That’s why our outdoor fabrics are first and foremost high-performance fabrics that can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are easy-care and washable, which can be a real plus for any interior.
IRMA: How would you define a well-designed outdoor space?
PATRICK FREY: Just like your interior, your garden or patio should reflect your personality. But you also have to take into account the seasonality of the plants, the quality of the soil, the exposure to light… Taking care of your exterior requires knowledge, energy and patience, whereas for your interior you simply choose an object, a fabric and hang it up!
I love natural spaces that are as beautiful in summer as they are in winter. I also like perspectives that open up the view.
I find very structured gardens interesting, with spheres of boxwood or clipped shrubs of different shapes and heights, alongside natural flowers that grow freely. My favourites are bulb flowers, which herald spring.
IRMA: Your fabric collection consists of many outdoor fabrics. What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when designing an outdoor fabric?
PATRICK FREY: The most important thing is that you don’t know it’s an outdoor fabric! Even though the fabric is highly technical, I take great care in choosing the colours, the texture and the feel of the fabric, which has to be supple and natural.
IRMA: In terms of design, what is the advantage of using certain designs/motifs that are more suited to the outdoors?
PATRICK FREY: Our collections are often made up of small designs and faux plains. They blend into the garden with the vegetation and give the plants pride of place. But we also like to play with bigger, bolder designs. This year we’ve introduced a new tapestry-inspired fabric and combined it with large plant designs. This gives them a lot of strength and is a nod to nature.
IRMA: Why do you think we prefer to be surrounded more and more by natural motifs and designs, both in terms of design and colour?
PATRICK FREY: For years we’ve had a very minimalist style of fashion, with white and beige. Of course it’s very chic and very pretty, but I think we’re yearning for more fantasy. And new weaving techniques allow you to create spectacular things. More and more people want to pamper themselves and stand out from the crowd.
IRMA: Tell us about your favourite outdoor space or public garden in Paris?
PATRICK FREY: I really like the Palais Royal, which is next to my office and I walk through it a lot. It’s a timeless place, full of history, built in the 17th century. It’s an enclosed garden surrounded by old buildings and beautiful arcades. A green setting, sheltered from the city and cars. Lawn and flowerbeds frame a pond, surrounded by long, straight avenues of trees in whose shade you can stroll and stop to dream on a bench!
In the Bois de Boulogne there’s also the Jardins de Bagatelles, which I love. It’s particularly large and well kept. You can walk there all year round. You’re always surprised by the beauty of the vegetation, which changes with the seasons, and by the variety of styles and species.
