Pierre Frey

International ambition has led the historic French Pierre Frey brand to be recognized as an institution in the textile industry. The company, founded in the 1930s by the eponymous founder and the historic designer Chatanay, has established itself firstly in France and later in the USA. An history of traditions and research and development that brought inspiration within the industry worldwide.

Creative know-how and craftmanship skills have defined bold collections and creative motifs by this unique brand. Symbols are the Karma and Esterel collections of patterned fabrics.

Not only fabrics and upholsteries, though. In fact, the wallpaper collections, developed in collaboration with the renowned designer Yves Klein, define the spirit, artistic and commercial of the brand. The company is always careful in selecting new collaborations, enriching its offer with always new styles, following fashions and trends always in vogue.

The already extensive catalogue is completed by the furniture, rugs and home accessories collection. The Altar coffee table, for instance, designed by Daniel Rous and the Dolmen seating, designed by Constance Guisset, represent a challenge for Pierre Frey itself. The challenge was to offer a service that is attentive to meet the increasingly varied needs of the modern world consumers.

 

The Company and the History

Born in 1934, Pierre Frey, during its existence, faced international growth to the US market, where it established as a major French player in upholsteries.

Over the next decades, Pierre Frey acquired the Denimal weaving mill in northern France. Recognized for its expertise in weaving high performance wools and outdoor fabrics, this firm has been certified by the government label "EPV", highlighting its traditional know-how and capacity for material research.

Patrick Frey in the 2000s was fully committed to the acquisition of several iconic French and Italian maisons. Among these Boussac and Fadini Borghi in 2004 and Le Manach in 2013. An initiative that tends to preserve fabulous styles and has given new life to these brands in an artistic sense.  

 

Craftsmanship merged with Contemporary Style

Pierre Frey's family-run business has always been characterized by a passion for interior decoration. A tradition meant to honor the past, with an eye to the future, which is the reason Patrick Frey has passed the business on to his children.

The brand, part of the Colbert committee since the 18th century, is one of the 81 French luxury goods companies, united to promote in France and abroad tradition and modernity, know-how and creative skill, history and innovation.

The inspiration for Pierre Frey's products has a classic and contemporary feel, extending a hand to distant ethnicities, interpreting customs and traditions in a very French style.

This artistic sensibility led the company, during the years, to acquire the textile companies Braquenié, Boussac, Fadini Borghi and Le Manach in the 1990s, enabling it to offer customers styles ranging from classic to contemporary.

 

Pierre Frey, a Treasure of Inspiration

Established in 2003, Pierre Frey's archives department preserves and promotes an exceptional collection of more than 25000 documents, from the 16th century to the present. The initiative rests on the idea that to build the future is necessary to understand the past, reason why the company archives are constantly updated, enriched by regular acquisitions. Available publicly, they can be consulted by anyone to find a source of inspiration or a selling point based on historical reality or to supplement knowledge.

The goal is not to recreate an identical copy of a document, but to use it as inspiration to fuel a contemporary creation.

 

The Brand Design and Collections

Pierre Frey's experience in the French and international market, combined with its creative and eclectic dimension, has led to the steady growth of this company catalogues.

Aware of the needs of the local and foreign markets, the company adapts its level of service to its consumers, offering a numerous network of branches and showrooms.

The creative process, which draws inspiration from around the world, allows the creation of bold patterns and colors that harken back to the past through a unique journey. Over time, the artistic direction has seen several generations, while maintaining the specialization in upholstery fabrics, the manufacturing heart of the brand.

For this reason, the fabrics, deeply marked by the brand's historical identity, are a mastery of upholstery. Prints, wools, linens, velvets, embroideries, jacquards or damasks, all creative materials influenced by art and cultures.

Not only fabrics and upholsteries, though. Pierre Frey has been committed into offering an increasingly complete solution, through furniture products, such as armchairs and sofas faithful to the spirit of the Maison. The understated and elegant choice communicates the timeless and intriguing appeal, characteristic of fabrics, through a sensual and friendly design. The balance between aesthetics and comfort warms the atmosphere, giving depth to the environment through lines and materials.

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