Isolation has created a new type of learning – one that comes to us through a screen as we cannot leave to explore museums or take classes or travel – Instagram education.
Such was the case for me last week. Thank you Instagram.
Aurel by Décor Barbares. (Photo: Décor Barbares)
The first topic of my Instagram education was on fabric design.
One of my favorites was listening to Natalie Farman-Farma the designer of Décor-Barbares fabric. The chat took place inside her studio. It is a charming environment with upholstery, pillows, and lampshades in her lovely fabrics as well as antique remnants. I could have listened to her speak for hours as she speaks beautifully – thoughtfully with well chosen words. She is extremely educated and well read. Her extensive knowledge of history provided a perfect background for designing her collection referencing Eastern fabrics.
Natalie Farman-Farma. (Photo: Sasha Hitchcock)
Her dining room walls, tablecloth and chairs are covered in one of her fabrics. (Photo: Dylan Thomas)
Marrakech was the topic of another chat.
Another video chat that I enjoyed recently was one from Indagare. Melissa Biggs Bradley founded this travel company bringing the best of the world to its members. She is hosting an entire series of chats featuring various hoteliers, chefs, environmentalists, designers, etc. Last week she spoke with Meryanne Loum-Martin, the architect, interior designer and proprietess of Jnane Tasmna. Ms. Martin has a fascinating background.
Dar Tamsna. (Photo: Jean Cazals)
Initially, she created two hotels in the riad in Marrakech. A room from one of them, Dar Tamsna, is pictured above. Those have since been sold. Subsequently came Jnane Tamsna, her current hotel. Ms. Loum-Martin is a former attorney with a passion for architecture. She designed the hotel around the many palms on the property. Her success came from creating hotels that felt like homes. Additionally, her style stands out as it is simpler than the usual Moroccan look. She prefers a more modern clean lined approach. The hotel’s boutique sells her self-designed home accessories and clothing.
The four photos above depict various images of Jnane Tamsna.
Finally, my Instagram education wrapped up with fashion.
Another beautiful discovery was of Horror Vacui. Designed in Germany by Anna Heinrichs, these lovely clothes have ornate details and construction referencing clothes from earlier times.
The Elinor silk dress. (Photo: Horror Vacui)
The Fanny cotton blouse. (Photo: Horror Vacui)
I can’t wait to see what finds this coming week will bring.
Casa V Interiors is always learning to bring well-thought designs to your home.