Nathalie Farman-Farma is a contemporary textile and interior designer known for her brand Décors Barbares, a creative studio that blends cultural references from Persia, Central Asia, and Russia to create fabrics and interiors full of color, history, and romanticism.
Over the course of your career you shifted from the world of literature and journalism to textile decoration and design. What moment or experience marked that change?
“Motherhood for many reasons! Of course, I became more focused on rituals of home life and the importance of beautiful interiors. I also wanted to be in control of my day. Running a business still involves long hours, but I do not need to report back to anyone other than myself. Most importantly, spending time with my children fostered my creativity and confidence. This is an unsung aspect of parenthood. It is wonderful for the mind to spend time in the land of make-believe, to play games and read fairytales.”
When you design a new collection for Décors Barbares, how does the creative process begin?
“I see my line of textiles as one big collection. I tend to react to what I feel is still missing from the line. Sometimes I focus on larger prints, sometimes of neutrals. I ask myself what my answer to a leopard print would be or how can I make a masculine flower chintz.”
From which parts of the world do your main inspirations come?
“From the beginning I noticed there were not enough fabrics inspired by Iran, Central Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe—in that order of discovery. A short answer would be the Silk Road and the confluence of European and Asian design. I am open to traveling further afield.”
How important is craftsmanship to you in your production?
“I make my fabrics in France because I strongly believe in the importance of craftsmanship, from the quality of the cloth to the printing of the design. My aim has always been to make textiles that can look and feel like antique pieces.”
What is your favourite hotel and book?
“I love a good city hotel. Recently I have stayed at the Sommerro in Oslo and the Bristol in Warsaw and can recommend both.”
What place in the world would you like to travel to wearing your friulanas?
“Ironically, I have not spent that much holiday time in France. I would love to go the Cote d’Azur in September or October and wear my friulanas in little coastal villages.”
