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What We Keep: How to Understand Textiles Online

Madeleine Parsons

"Whether you're purchasing clothing, a pillow, a rug, or even yards of fabric online, it can be nerve-wracking to know exactly what you're getting without seeing and feeling it in person. Not to worry: There are a few informational cues and keywords that let you know what you'll be getting, whether it's a brand-new piece or a well-loved vintage item.

Material content: There are two big categories, and a lot of gray area, when it comes to fabric content. Generally, fibers—the fluff that is spun into thread—are either synthetic or natural. Synthetics, such as polyester, nylon, and elastane, are much more durable than natural fibers but have a colder, crispier surface feel and can often look a little shiny. Because of the lack of water retention in synthetics, they have a lot of static. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk have a softer hand feel but are also much easier to damage through wear and tear. There are blended fabrics that use both natural and synthetic to give us the best of both worlds: soft fabric that is also durable. If you see a blended fabric, you can bet that the larger the percentage of particular fibers, the more that piece takes on the characteristic of either a natural or synthetic cloth.”

From What We Keep by Jean Lin. 
Studio photography by Brooke Holm. 

 

DUNES WOOL

Standard Materials: Wool, Alpaca
Application: Drapery, Screen
Dimensions: 54”W x 56"vertical repeat
Lead Time: Please inquire

 
  
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QUADRANT QUILT

Standard Materials: Cotton, Linen
Dimensions: Queen / 91.25"W x 93"L
Lead Time: In-stock

 
  
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ORDER A SIGNED COPY OF WHAT WE KEEP

 
  

 

Studio Visit: Hiroko Takeda

"I was eight or nine years old and walking through a toy store. I saw a toy loom and thought, Wow, that loom can make fabric?! Amazing! So I asked for it as my birthday or Christmas present. I remember thinking, If I get this, my life will be set. It turns out that weaver and textile artist Hiroko Takeda's nine-year-old self was on to something." 

From What We Keep by Jean Lin. 
Studio photography by Brooke Holm. 

Studio Visit: Meg Callahan

"The first quilt I ever made was in home economics," says Meg Callahan, a contemporary designer whose medium of choice is sprawling, geometric, jaw-dropping quilts. "It was a 'Quillow': a quilt that folded up and tucked into a pillow," Meg explains whil folding an imaginary blanket, hand over hand, ending with a smooth, forward, five-finger slide, indicating the final tuck.

I've known Meg for years—she was one of the first designers who said yes to joining Colony. But after all this time, I never knew that her first piece was the sewing equivalent of a spork." 

From What We Keep by Jean Lin. 
Studio photography by Brooke Holm. 

 

Collection Consultation with Colony

Madeleine Parsons

Stemming from Colony’s rich foundation of curation, interior design, design education, sales and design development, we are excited to open our books to offer one-on-one collection consultations. Recommended for furniture, lighting, textile and object designers in any stage of your studio, this consultation will be an in depth look at a body of work of your choice. We will offer candid insight, critique and actionable advice based on our 11 years in design curation and sales, 13 collective years in design education and two successful cohorts of the Colony Residency program.

What you can expect:

  • 1 hour in-person collection consultation at Colony with Jean Lin, founder/creative director, or Madeleine Parsons, art director, of Colony.

Within this hour, we will review:

  • Collection up to 10 pieces of your choice
  • Pricing
  • Sales strategy/placement recommendations
  • Photography
  • Website/sales collateral

Upon purchase, you will be contacted for scheduling. You will be asked to submit the body of work you would like reviewed two weeks prior to your scheduled consultation. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire stating your goals and focus for the session. Sessions are held in person or over zoom.

Openings are extremely limited, but we may be opening up more availabilities in the future.

SECURE A CONSULTATION

About Jean Lin:

Jean Lin is a New York City-based gallerist, founder of Colony and author of What We Keep, published in 2024. Trained as a fashion designer, she has professional experience as a fashion designer, interior designer, editor, writer, trend forecaster, educator and curator. Jean has served as part time faculty at her alma mater, Parsons School of Design, and a guest lecturer and critic at RISD, Pratt Institute, Mass College of Art and Design, and Tama Art University in Tokyo.

About Madeleine Parsons:

Madeleine Parsons is the Art Director at Colony, where she co-directs the ongoing Colony Residency. Outside of her work at Colony, she writes Design in Verse, a newsletter on the dialogue between literature and design, and teaches within the School of Constructed Environments BFA Product Design at Parsons, The New School. She is currently an MFA candidate in Hunter College’s CNF writing program, where she is working on a book about the built environment

Spec Sheet: Cove Settee by Moving Mountains

Thomas Yang

Designer Syrette Lew of Moving Mountains considers comfort down the nth degree. She has always pushed herself to design pieces that are meant to be lived with, sat in and lounged on. The Cove Settee is no exception with its gently curved bench seat offering an elegant focal point for a sitting room or breakfast nook alike. 

An instant classic, the Cove Settee's upholstery is supported by a graceful oak frame which ensures for visual impact no matter the angle.


Notes

Standard Materials: Oak,  COM
Dimensions: 70”L x 38”D x 27”H
Lead Time: 23-25 weeks

 
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More Of

In case you're looking for more of a singular seat...

Kamp Dining Chair

A camping-inspired form is elevated with a mix of materials. 

 

Cloud Lounge 

Cloud-like upholstery floats on a hammered metal base. 

Slipper Chair

A feather-soft lounge seat with a tailored profile.

In Detail: Joinery

Thomas Yang

In woodworking, joinery is the process of connecting various pieces of wood together to form a more complex structure. It's a process every maker is familiar with and one in which designers often find themselves in search of  unexpected solutions. Vonnegut/Kraft's Mesa Console plays with stacked elements while Thomas Yang Studio's Ama Chair utilizes more traditional joinery. 

There is no shortage of beautifully unexpected joinery in the Colony collection, whether rendered in wood or another material—like cork or stone. 

 

Mesa Console

Standard Materials: Walnut
Dimensions:72”L x 16.75”W x 30”H
Lead Time: 20-24 Weeks

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 Pippi Nightstand

Standard Materials:Oiled beech, Whitewashed maple
Dimensions: 17”L x 16.5”D x 24.5”H
Lead Time: 24-28 weeks

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Ama Chair

Standard Materials: Curly Maple
Dimensions: 15″L x 16″W x 33″H
Seat Height: 16.5″
Lead Time: 16-18 weeks

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Clover Table Large

Standard Materials: Solid Cork
Dimensions: 35.72" W x 14.5" D x 16" H
Lead Time:14–16 weeks

INQUIRE

Roebuck Coffee Table

As seen: Walnut, Travertine
Dimensions: 30”L x 19”D x 22.5”H
Lead Time: 10-12 weeks

INQUIRE
Marmar Studio Pippi Nighstand

More Of 

A spattering of well-considered connection points...

Cantilever Arm Bench 

A well-balanced bench inspired by the Bauhaus. 

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Ledge Side Table - Wood

The Ledge Side Table is defined by a double bullnose edge detail.

INQUIRE

Slanted Armchair No.1

Stone slots into stone to form this sharp profile on A Space's onyx chair.

INQUIRE

What We Keep: KWH STUDIO Visit

Thomas Yang

"Designer and woodworker Kai-wei Hsu was sitting on Colony’s painted-white floor, sorting and organizing our toolbox. He had pulled it out of the closet, looking for a screwdriver, and couldn’t stomach my haphazard disorganization: screws, pencils, hooks, and wires jangling loose in the bottom of my “toolbox,” a cute canvas tote with boxy outer pockets. (Not necessarily the most practical thing for our tools, but adorable.) He patiently sorted and categorized everything, then quietly shook his head when, a month later, he stopped by and noticed it was all in disarray again.

One visit to his woodshop, KWH Furniture, puts it all in perspective. His work, crafting wood furniture, is intricate and laborious at once. A messy shop could spell disaster for the mindset he needs to machine massive solid wood boards into smooth, curved, and precise designs.”

From What We Keep by Jean Lin. 
Studio photography by Brooke Holm. 

 

BeNd / Arc Desk

Standard Materials: White Oak, Leather
Dimensions: 60”L x 27”W x 30”H
Lead Time: In-stock

 
  
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ORDER A SIGNED COPY OF WHAT WE KEEP

 
  

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Timeless pieces from Kai-wei's collection, all perfected in his immaculate woodshop...

Cove/Arc Credenza

The concave arc detail that extends around the entire profile exposes the signature end grain detailing.

Radial Bed

An elegant profile is anchored by a radial detail on both the headboard and footboard. 

 

 

Repeat/Arc Side Table

Akin to it's oak counterpart, the carrara marble version of the Repeat/Arc Side Table features a layered arc detail. 

Spec Sheet: Cascade Pendant by Kawabi

Thomas Yang

Brooklyn-based studio Kawabi has always been fascinated by the history and heritage of lanterns. Both designers Irisa and Aaron grew up in the Northeast with Chinese roots. After honing their paper-based craft in Japan, Kawabi set out to imbue their first collection with a sense of ancient belonging. 

The Cascade Pendant takes its effervescent form from the Kengai bonsai. A style modeled after a tree which has grown in a harsh, natural environment, Kengai bonsais are recognizable for their movement and dynamism. Equally fluid from any angle, the Cascade Pendant offers a sense of composed playfulness to an interior. 


Notes

Standard Materials: Wood, Brass, Kozo Paper, and Rattan
Dimensions: 25” L x 25” W x 26”H
Lead Time: 12 weeks

 
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More Of

We needn't look far to shine a light on further hand-crafted fixtures...

Arc Concentric 10

A carved shade adds texture to the Arc's smooth profile.

Souvenir Table lamp

A manipulated legume-shaped shade creates a striking silhouette.

 

Tian Den - Piccola

A delicate paper shade dances in the breeze of a passing body. 

Colony Classics: Facet Mirror

Thomas Yang

The allure of the Facet Mirror is in its simplicity; a design paired down to its essence, without the removal of poetic details (in this case, the beveled edge). Designed by Studio Paolo Ferrari in 2017, the gem-like silhouette of the Facet Mirror is available in three standard sizes which can be hung in multiple orientations. Since its launch, the mirror has been customized into various proportions, proving that a strong foundation is endlessly transformable. 


Notes

Standard Materials: Mirror
Standard: 21ӯ
Large: 36ӯ
X-Large: 48″Ø
Lead Time: 14-16 weeks 

Project: 40 Bleecker
Interior Design: Colony
Photography by Brooke Holm
Read more online at Elle Decor

Project: Park Avenue
Interior Design: Paris Forino

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More Of

Look no further than Studio Paolo Ferrari's Edition Series for more contemporary classics...

Cloud Sofa

Standard Materials: COM upholstery, hammered steel legs
Dimensions:  94” L x 45” W x 28.5” H
Lead Time: 14-16 weeks

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Beveled Edge Low Table

Standard Materials: Oak
Dimensions: 36”Ø: 48”Ø by  14″H
Lead Time: 14-16 weeks

INQUIRE

Boe Lounge

Standard Materials:  White Ash, Black Stain; COM upholstery
Dimensions: 32” L x 26” W x 24” H
Lead Time: 14-16 weeks

INQUIRE

Passages: The World

Madeleine Parsons

THE WORLD 
Jennifer Chang

One winter I lived north, alone
and effortless, dreaming myself
into the past. Perhaps, I thought,
words could replenish privacy.
Outside, a red bicycle froze
into form, made the world falser
in its white austerity. So much 
happens after harvest: the moon
performing novelty: slaughter, 
snow. One hour the same
as the next, I held my hands
or held the snow. I was like sculpture, 
forgetting or, perhaps, remembering
everything. Red wings in the snow,
red thoughts ablaze in the war
I was having with myself again.
Everything I hate about the world
I hate about myself, even now
writing as if this were a law
of nature. Say there were deer
fleet in the snow, walking out 
the cold, and more gingkoes
bare in the beggar's grove. Say
I was not the only one who saw
or heard the trees, their diffidence
greater than my noise. Perhaps
the future is a tiny flame
I'll nick from a candle. First, I'm burning. 
Then, numb. Why must every winter
grow colder, and more sure? 

 

____________________

 
 
Colony_MESA-COFFEE-TABLE_VonnegutKraft

More Of

Juno Circle Quilt

Standard Materials: Cotton, Linen 
Dimensions: King Size (100"W x 96"L)
Available in stock as shown. 

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Mr. B Side Table - Round

Standard Materials: Red Lacquer
Dimensions: 24"Ø x 20"H 
Lead Time: 14-16 weeks

INQUIRE

Aperture 4 30"

Standard Materials: Brass, Glass
Dimensions: 30"L x 30"W x 20.75"H 
Lead Time: 16 weeks

INQUIRE

In Detail: Turned Around

Madeleine Parsons

The purpose of a swivel chair is manifold. Often it's utility is called for simply because of the pleasure found in the ability to spin in a complete circle while sitting on an otherwise stationary piece of furniture. For floorplans that make use of multiple conversation areas, swivel chairs can be useful in joining disparate layout sections to accommodate for larger gatherings. One more reason to take a look at these swivel options: they are invariably designed in the round, so they look great from all angles. 

In addition to the Trio Swivel and Puffer Chair, both of which come with a hidden swivel base, the Salon Club and Ame Lounge have both been customized to turn themselves round. 

 

TRIO SWIVEL

Standard Materials: COM Fabric
Dimensions: 34"W x 31"D x 31"H
Lead Time: 5-7 weeks

INQUIRE

SALON CLUB

Standard Materials: COM Fabric, Cherry feet or custom swivel base
Dimensions: 37"W x 40"D x 32"H
Lead Time: 23-25 weeks

INQUIRE

AME / NATURAL

Standard Materials: Textile by Hiroko Takeda (COM available), Metal legs or custom swivel base
Dimensions: 40"W x 30.75"D x 28.25"H
Lead Time: 20-24 weeks

INQUIRE

PUFFER CHAIR

Standard Materials: COM Fabric
Dimensions: 39"W x 36"D x 27"H
Lead Time: 23-25 weeks

INQUIRE

More Of 

Colony Residency alum Stephanie Betesh of Ember Studio has been working on her production. The Trio Swivel is now available at a more competitive price point. Inquire below for updated pricing...

Trio Swivel 

A palette of complimentary or contrasting fabrics can be chosen to upholster the seat, frame and side panels of the final form.

INQUIRE

What We Keep: Thinking of Los Angeles

Thomas Yang

A city with a design point of view entirely unique (and refreshingly antithetical to that of New York), Los Angeles is one of a kind. In the wake of the ongoing wildfire devastation, our West coast design community is weighing heavily on our mind. 

We are grieving for all those who have lost so much and are thinking about our colleagues and friends who call Los Angeles home. Alongside the work of LA-based ceramics studio BZIPPY, we wanted to share some quintessentially LA homes which Jean and Brooke were lucky to capture with the talented designers who brought them to life. 

In the hopes of encouraging help from the East coast, we've compiled a list of donation links below:

 

Displaced Black Families Directory

Displaced Families  Directory by Neighborhood 

Incarcerated Firefighters

Anti-recidivism Coalition is setting up a scholarship for incarcerated firefighters. Donate at the link above and note "firefighter fund" on your donation.

National Day Laborer Organizing Network

Support immigrant workers impacted by the Los Angeles fires.

LA Fire Rebuilding - Architect, Engineer, Contractor Masterlist

Add yourself to this masterlist if you are in a position to donate valuable time and resources. 

 

"And what of this house? You see, Allyson, a consumer-trend forecaster, and Julius, a director and cinematographer, own a house designed by preeminent modernist architect Richard Neutra—an architect's architect whose works are on historic-preservation lists, celebrated as Southern Californian icons...

"We are so, so lucky," says Julius of how they came to own a piece of architectural history." 

—Excerpt from What We Keep, Jean Lin

Proem is a Los Angeles-based interior design studio founded in 2017 by Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman. They approach all projects as the beginning of a new story for each client, the proem of a book, the introduction to a new chapter. Pictured here is the entryway of co-founder Marie Trohman's classic 1929 Spanish style colonial in the hills of Los Feliz. 

LAUN is a Los Angeles-based design firm focused on enriching the built environment through architecture, furniture and creative collaborations founded in 2018 by friends Rachel Bullock and Molly Purnell. Alongside their architecture practice, LAUN's object-line harnesses the unique talents of Los Angeles-based manufacturers to craft timeless, heirloom quality furniture. This shot is of the studio's Cool Ranch project, a conversion of a 1930's home in the hills of Silver Lake.

Founded in 2008 by artist Bari Ziperstein, BZIPPY is known for their experimentation and innovation with ceramics. Bari's Sun Valley studio and community have been greatly affected by the Eaton fire. She's been extremely active on instagram with helpful ways to get involved. Like all small business affected by the fire, one of the most direct ways to assist is to continue working with them. You can shop their collection here.

LALA Reimagined was conceived in Los Angeles when Azar Fattahi met Lia McNairy in iconic Laurel Canyon. Both women champion design as a lifestyle art, being heavily influenced by their European upbringing while fearlessly pushing boundaries and defying norms. The duo's La Granada project features the homeowner's whimsical collection of monkeys. 

A magical capture from an intimate Los Angeles evening hosted by chef, author and friend Camilla Marcus at her Brentwood home to celebrate What We Keep with good friends and collaborators. Camilla's home represents the iconic indoor/outdoor living that we love so much about LA.