FRAMEWORK COLLECTION LOOKBOOK In collaboration with Gensler, product design consultant
The Brentano Design Studio, led by Iris Wang, has grown from a modest eight patterns in 1990, into an international source for residential, hospitality and commercial fabrics for both upholstery and drapery. The range has expanded to include luxurious vegan leathers, handsome and durable panel fabrics, sophisticated indoor/outdoor choices, dynamic stain resistant and easy clean finish options, as well as a beautiful collection of eco-friendly textiles. Iris Wang | Founder and Artistic Director Born in 1954 in South Korea to parents who had immigrated from China, Iris Wang, Founder and Artistic Director at Brentano, Inc, cultivated an interest in her Chinese heritage at an early age. At 21, she enrolled at National Normal University, a premier Taiwanese art school. In 1978, after teaching art in Taiwan, Iris came to the United States and began work on her MFA at Kent State University. She completed her Masters of Fine Arts degree in 1981 and began working with an interior designer in Chicago. It was a project involving fabric covered ceiling tiles that sparked Iris’s interest in textiles, an interest that eventually grew into Brentano, Inc.
OVERVIEW
A Family Affair Working from their garage and starting with just eight patterns, E-Kwan Chen, CEO and husband to Artistic Director Iris Wang, officially launched Brentano with the nature collection in 1990. Quick to support Iris’ vision, E-Kwan provided constant, unwavering encouragement of Iris’ endeavors, a tribute to a great life partnership. From there, the business has grown, as have their sources for inspiration. Iris regularly looks to the worlds of fashion, architecture, history, and philosophy for new themes and design direction. Today, Brentano’s expansive collection of textiles now has over 250 patterns, all of which embody Brentano’s ethos of beauty and performance. In 2017, the Chen sons, Leo and Allen, joined the Brentano team after completing their graduate studies. With an eye on fully immersing themselves in the business, Leo and Allen began learning distinct areas of the company from customer service, production, operation, warehouse management, merchandising, design processes, and much more. Allen is currently following in his mother’s footsteps. Previously serving as a Sales Representative, Merchandising and Product Development Manager, focusing on textile and coated fabric technology, Allen now serves as Product Manager for the Brentano design studio. In this role, Allen oversees and assists in design, sales, merchandising, and marketing efforts. Allen has also become well versed in creating informative Continuing Education Credits surrounding the interior design industry with an in-depth look at textile production. Furthermore, Allen has become the face of Brentano’s Teaching Tuesdays, a weekly video cast sharing insights and industry knowledge to Brentano’s many followers. Leo currently serves as Brentano’s Operations Manager, learning the business under the tutelage of his father. In this role, Leo manages Brentano’s robust CRM systems, oversees customer service operations, and maintains technical and pricing databases for over 2,000 SKU’s in the Brentano line. Leo has also become a lead point person for IT initiatives, HR management, and warehouse inventory control within the company. A quick learner, Leo has created and launched many operational systems to improve and enhance sales procedures throughout the company. Brentano’s 2nd generation family-owned business offers a friendly and warm atmosphere which extends to their employees who they consider a part of their ever-growing family. The mission set forth by Iris and E-Kwan was to produce beautiful fabric with outstanding performance features. Now encompassing upholstery fabric, drapery, vegan leather, and wall panels, their extensive line of textiles is aesthetically pleasing and rich in color while meeting performance standards including bleach cleanability, eco-friendly, and FR qualities sought throughout the design industry.
UPHOLSTERY
DRAPERY/SHEERS
V E G A N L E AT H E R
From exquisite patterns to versatile anchor fabrics, Brentano offers a rich selection of upholstery cloths, created with you, the designer, in mind. From the start, we have focused heavily on gorgeous, luxurious textiles in stunning colors, but always with an intention to performance and durability. This combination continues to ensure Brentano’s ever-expanding collections provide sophisticated and relevant choices for modern residential, hospitality, and commercial interiors.
Luxurious and functional, Brentano’s modern and elegant drapery selections employ a variety of fibers to create versatile, high performing and handsome window treatments. Staying true to our belief in beauty + performance, Brentano has a wide variety of single and double width designs in a range of colors that also pass the essential NFPA 701 fire code. Brentano’s drapery products are suitable for many applications including sheers for outdoor use, as well as wool sheers and washable draperies perfect for commercial use.
Brentano has always had a commitment to animal and environmentally friendly products and processes, and our ongoing development of vegan/faux leathers exemplifies our continued focus on sustainable fabrics. Available in many textures and designs, including realistic faux leathers, decorative novelty designs and even indoor/ outdoor options, all our vegan/faux leathers offer incredible performance and an extremely natural look, making them suitable for any type of project. Many come with the added benefits of being easy to clean, highly durable, and a soft hand, as well as being a more affordable and greener than natural leathers and vinyl alternatives.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR
E C O - F R I E N D LY
PERFORMANCE
Bold, sophisticated and incredibly durable, one of Brentano’s fastest growing categories is our award winning compilation of indoor/outdoor textiles. We are known for offering a large selection of attractive anchor fabrics and patterns as well as more unusual faux-raffia textures that are equally as popular for interiors as they are for outdoor spaces. Their incredible performance makes them excellent choices for a family pool or a high traffic F&B project.
Brentano adheres to a strict green criteria when developing many of our fabrics, with a focus on sustainable products and environmentally friendly processes. Our eco-friendly fabrics include our wide variety of vegan/faux leathers including silicone products, as well as stunning upholstery and drapery options. Brentano’s eco-friendly fabrics display an uncommonly broad selection of textiles that prove focusing on sustainable products doesn’t have to result in any level of compromise as regards style, hand or performance.
Whether it be a family home or a healthcare facility, the demands of modern living have necessitated the growth in performance fabrics. Fortunately, Brentano’s mantra has always been beauty + performance, and since our inception 30 years ago we have concentrated on offering the most advanced stain-resistant finishes and fibers available. Brentano partners with many recognized brands such as Crypton, Nanotex and Greenshield, but has also developed our own in-house Tri-sistant finish that adds an extra barrier of protection In addition, many of our fabrics are inherently bleach cleanable, giving residential and commercial customers an extra defense against more stubborn stains!
FA L L 2 0 2 0
FRAMEWORK
Framework in collaboration with Gensler, uses complimentary hues and interestingly textured fabrics to create a consistent, modern narrative within a space. This series of textiles introduces distinctively constructed anchor fabrics that are both handsome and tactile, while also offering the high levels of performance. There is a clear vision for the collection’s palette that is fresh, contemporary and relevant, comprised of energetic primary tones, clean pastels and useable neutrals. While all the fabrics have an individual personality, there is a distinct color-guided dialogue between them. Like building blocks, they come together to create striking monochromatic interiors or subtle spaces awash with complementary tones.
Q U E R Y, A U T U M N S U N R I S E Query brings an element of fun to the Framework Collection. Quirky yet considered, the traditional matelassé construction of this 54” wide fabric adds a sense of contemporary charm to both Query and its sister fabrics, Plot and Sequence. Its 16 stunning colors embolden this involving design still further. Query has an abrasion resistance of 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, cotton duck), passes CAL 117, is bleach cleanable and features Brentano’s Tri-sistant cross-linked stain resistant finish. These qualities cement Query’s status as a default choice for any project seeking to add a dynamic and tactile dimension to its design. Fun fact - Query, was designed to look like a Chinese quotation mark. Artistic Director, Iris Wang loves inspirational quotes and pulled inspiration from hand written pieces to create this pattern.
NOTES, JUNIPER SPRING
Notes uses its 16 compelling colorways to bring an enlightened sense of modernity to a classic plain weave. Relaxed but elegant, Notes is a 54” wide upholstery fabric with an abrasion resistance of 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, cotton duck) and passes CAL 117. It’s also bleach cleanable and features Brentano’s cross-linked stain resistant finish Tri-sistant, making this fabric a necessary standard for all manner of projects. Furniture by Martin Brattrud, Cardiff Bar Stool.
SCENE, WOODEN PENCIL
Scene is a smart and dapper modern plaid whose scale and discreet detailing set apart this discerning wool blend flannel. Appealing and attractive, Scene comes in 16 rich colorways, allowing this 56� wide reversible upholstery fabric to be used as a vibrant anchor fabric or a dashing accent. It passes CAL 117 and is rated at 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Cotton Duck) and has a stain resistant finish, making Scene the perfect choice for residential, commercial and hospitality designs alike. Furniture by Martin Brattrud, Cardiff Lounge Chair.
HUDDLE, JUNIPER SPRING Huddle is a cozy but sophisticated and luxurious, deep pile boucle that is sure to become an instant favorite. Rich and inviting this 55” wide upholstery fabric comes in 18 decidedly dimensional colorways, which include plush neutrals, bold hues and soft but fresh pastels. It passes CAL 117 and is also rated at 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Cotton Duck). Huddle’s appeal can be further enhanced by adding Brentano’s cross-linked stain resistant finish Tri-sistant. Whether contract, hospitality or residential, every project can use the warmth and contemporary refinement brought by Huddle. Furniture by Martin Brattrud, Cardiff Lounge Chair.
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“As a textile designer it has been an incredible, insightful experience to work with Gensler, product design consultants. To create alongside interior designers and learn what they are specifically looking for in terms of texture, color and performance has allowed Brentano to create a collection that we feel represents the future of contemporary interiors.” IRIS WANG, FOUNDER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, BRENTANO
H I N T, W O O D E N P E N C I L
Hint is a rich, superior, lustrous and traditional wool sateen, thoroughly updated through its crisp, contemporary palette. Its 18 colorways pair seamlessly with the rest of the collection and at 55� wide and with an abrasion resistance of 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Cotton Duck), Hint is suitable for both upholstery and drapery applications. It also passes CAL 117, British Standards and it can be treated to pass NFPA 701 Test 1. Brentano’s cross-linked stain resistant finish Tri-sistant can be added under our cut yardage finish program, making Hint an excellent choice for a variety of tailored projects. Furniture by Martin Brattrud, Cardiff Lounge Chair.
FREEHAND, AMBER LIGHT
Freehand is a smart and contemporary anchor fabric whose inviting and tactile aesthetic can be attributed to the same slub yarn employed by its sister fabric, Trace. This 49� wide upholstery fabric is refined but casual and is available in 17 beautiful colorways. Freehand passes CAL 117 and can be further enhanced by adding Brentano’s cross-linked stain resistant finish Tri-sistant. With 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Cotton Duck) Freehand is eminently durable, and has a soft hand that exudes comfort, making it suitable for residential, hospitality and contract applications. Furniture by Martin Brattrud, Cardiff Side Chair.
CRAZY ABOUT
PANEL, TEXTILES
Brentano offers a range of relevant and sophisticated panel fabrics suitable for a variety of applications. Handsome, durable and highperforming, we offer modern choices suitable for adhered, unadhered, acoustic and systems panels. All are available in a number of highly versatile colorways and many are also perfectly suited for high-traffic upholstery applications, allowing designers to create seamless spaces that coordinate throughout.
INSIGHT
Insight is a tight and tailored 66” wide hydrophobic and acoustical panel fabric, with 11 contemporary colorways that range from classic neutrals to deep tones including Autumn Sunrise, Blueprint and Iron.
INTUITION
Intuition is a 66” wide hydrophobic and acoustical panel fabric that was fashioned to emulate the subtleties of dappled light. It is available in 15 diverse but functional colorways including Flint Grey and Pale Grape.
FUSE
With an understated patination, this hugely versatile 54” wide cloth is not only suitable for indoor/outdoor upholstery but is also an excellent hydrophobic and acoustical panel fabric.
TUNE, WOODEN PENCIL, B L A N K PA G E , B L U E P R I N T Tune stands as a tremendously versatile anchor fabric whose mélange of yarns entwine to create a gentle kinetic appearance that is both soothing yet alluring. Its utility is only added to by its 12 vivacious colorways with an abrasion resistance of 100,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Cotton Duck), this 56” wide textile is suitable for upholstery, drapery and as a hydrophobic and acoustical panel fabric. Tune passes CAL 117, ASTM E-84 Class A (unadhered), and NFPA 701. Tune benefits from being bleach cleanable and Brentano’s cross-linked stain resistant finish Tri-sistant can also be added, making Tune the essence of beauty + performance. Furniture: Martin Brattrud, Cardiff side chair, Etc. by National Office Furniture, Taron tables.
FUSE, LONDON FOG
Fuse is a highly tactile textile that is both restrained and chic. With an understated patination, this hugely versatile 54” wide cloth is not only suitable for indoor/ outdoor upholstery but is also an excellent hydrophobic and acoustical panel fabric. Featuring 14 colorways ranging from quiet neutrals to energetic hues inspired by nature, Fuse has an abrasion resistance of 60,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Wire Screen), passes CAL 117, ASTM E-84 Class A (unadhered) and is IMO Wheelmark certified. In addition, Fuse is bleach cleanable and bacterial resistant. It’s not overstating the facts to say Fuse is truly a fabric that can do it all.
C H AT T E R , B L U S H E R A S E R Fuse is a highly tactile textile that is both restrained and chic. With an understated patination, this hugely versatile 54” wide cloth is not only suitable for indoor/outdoor upholstery but is also an excellent hydrophobic and acoustical panel fabric. Featuring 14 colorways ranging from quiet neutrals to energetic hues inspired by nature, Fuse has an abrasion resistance of 60,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek, Wire Screen), passes CAL 117, ASTM E-84 Class A (unadhered) and is IMO Wheelmark certified. In addition, Fuse is bleach cleanable and bacterial resistant. It’s not overstating the facts to say Fuse is truly a fabric that can do it all.
D U E T, J U N I P E R S P R I N G
Duet is a perfect marriage of two yarns of complimentary colors woven together to create an understated micro-pattern full of visual interest. An indoor/outdoor textile available in 11 stunning colorways, Duet is equally at home by the pool or working hard in the family room.