{"id":1213,"date":"2021-03-15T17:50:25","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T17:50:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theinside.com\/blog\/?p=1213"},"modified":"2021-06-03T19:05:48","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T19:05:48","slug":"harlem-toile-de-jouy-history-behind-pattern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theinside.com\/blog\/harlem-toile-de-jouy-history-behind-pattern\/","title":{"rendered":"Harlem Toile De Jouy: The History Behind the Pattern"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]<\/p>\n

Discover the inspiration and personal stories behind the iconic pattern, Harlem Toile, as designed and told by world-renowned designer Sheila Bridges<\/a>.<\/em><\/h3>\n

There are a few patterns in recent history that have already cemented their legacy as cultural touchstones for decades to come. Among those greats is a pattern developed by designer Sheila Bridges, who created one the of most iconic and celebrated designs of the 21st<\/sup> century: Harlem Toile de Jouy.<\/p>\n

The story starts when Bridges failed to find the perfect toile for her own home. After deciding that it quite simply didn\u2019t exist, she took matters into her own hands and brought her dream toile to life, calling it Harlem Toile de Jouy.<\/p>\n

Harlem Toile de Jouy reinvents a classic decorating staple and questions constructs of representation, all while retaining its romantic appeal.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019re exploring the backstory behind Bridges\u2019 iconic pattern, and sharing the details on how you can bring this pattern into your own home.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Harlem Toile as part of The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum permanent wallpaper collection \/\/ Photo credit: Cooper Hewitt<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

What is Toile?<\/h2>\n

To better understand Bridges\u2019 vision, it\u2019s necessary to start by unraveling the roots of Toile de Jouy. The name \u201cToile de Jouy\u201d or \u201cToile\u201d for short, originates from late 18th<\/sup> century France and translates to \u201clinen or cloth from Jouy en Josas,\u201d a French town in the south-west suburbs of Paris. Toile de Jouy refers to the decorative floral, bucolic or pastoral scenes printed on a single-colored fabric. The repetitive vignettes mainly portray European traditions in black, blue, or red ink which are printed onto a white linen or cotton fabric.<\/p>\n

The pattern was initially produced in Ireland during the mid-1700s by Francis Nixon and later introduced in France by Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf in the late 1700s. Toile de Jouy made its way to America during the turn of the 18th<\/sup> century, and became a lasting sensation with a resurgence in the 20th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A traditional French toile, from 1783 \/\/ Photo credit: The Met Museum<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Today, Toile de Jouy is once again the spotlight, but this time with a contemporary twist. Sheila Bridges has revamped the pattern by highlighting rich African American culture and utilizing vibrant-colored fabric, while maintaining Toile de Jouy\u2019s traditional formatting.<\/p>\n

The pattern has been spotlighted in various museums including The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Museum of Art and Design in New York City and the Mus\u00e9e De La Toile de Jouy in Jouy-en Josas, France. Harlem Toile de Jouy wallpaper is part of The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum permanent wallpaper collection.<\/p>\n

Who is Sheila Bridges?<\/h2>\n

Sheila Bridges is an author, TV personality and \u201cAmerica\u2019s Best Interior Designer,\u201d as named by CNN and Time Magazine. Bridges began her creative journey by establishing her interior design firm in 1994. As creative director, she skillfully designed numerous residences and offices for an array of renowned entertainers, entrepreneurs and business executives.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Interior designer Sheila Bridges in her home in Harlem \/\/ Photo credit: The Inside<\/em><\/p>\n

Bridges, a Philadelphia native, made the move to New York City in 1986. Harlem Toile de Jouy<\/a> honors her current town of Harlem, New York and reflects her relationship with decorative arts and the African American experience. Bridges inspiration grows from her interest in historical narratives found in design and the discussions they often raise. Stirred by the lack of African American culture represented in traditional Toile de Jouy patterns, Bridges decided to create her own inclusive pattern that tackles stereotypes often associated with African Americans.<\/p>\n

Bridges fuses the past and present by displaying figures enjoying contemporary activities in an 18th century environment. She illustrates vignettes of men playing basketball, children playing double-dutch, couples dancing to the beat of the boom box, women gracefully braiding each other\u2019s hair and people casually enjoying fried chicken and watermelon. These patterns, which lampoon some of the stereotypes of the African American experience, ultimately celebrate their complex history and rich culture which has often been appropriated.<\/p>\n

Although Bridges initially created Harlem Toile de Jouy for wallcoverings, she has since expanded her collection to a variety of products (plus fabric by the yard), ranging from window shades and glassware to sneakers and speakers. And as of recently, Harlem Toile de Jouy is also available on affordable furniture through Bridges\u2019 exclusive collaboration with The Inside.<\/p>\n

Sheila Bridges x The Inside<\/h2>\n

Bridges\u2019 exclusive collaboration with The Inside<\/a> brings Harlem Toile de Jouy to life in an entirely new way. For the first time ever, Harlem Toile de Jouy is available on quality yet reasonably priced furniture, making it accessible to a wider audience.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Inside x Sheila Bridges \/\/ Photo credit: The Inside<\/em><\/p>\n

Danielle Walish, creative director & co-founder of The Inside says \u201cTo me, Harlem Toile de Jouy is iconic: it\u2019s one of the most important textile designs of the 21st century. It forces us to question iconography and the meaning behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bridges shares this sentiment as she has long wished for Harlem Toile de Jouy to be available on budget-friendly furniture. Bridges says \u201cAfter spending so much time at home due to the pandemic, I realize more than ever how incredibly important it is to surround yourself with furniture that brings you joy but won\u2019t break the bank. I love the fact that The Inside\u2019s furnishings are customizable but without the long lead time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Inside x Sheila Bridges \/\/ Photo credit: The Inside<\/em><\/p>\n

Harlem Toile de Jouy is featured in five new colorways and can be applied to any of The Inside\u2019s furniture and home d\u00e9cor items. Bridges says \u201cThe colorways are brand new and inspired by many of the schemes that I live with in my own homes.\u201d<\/p>\n

No matter how small or large your next interior project is \u2013 from the accent pillow or ottoman to the new statement sofa or bed \u2013 The Inside\u2019s collab featuring Bridges\u2019 toile patterns offers an accessible way to incorporate iconic designs and inspiring narratives into our homes, no matter our ancestral roots.<\/p>\n

By: Ivana Maldonado<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] Discover the inspiration and personal stories behind the iconic pattern, Harlem Toile, as designed and told by world-renowned designer Sheila Bridges. There are a few patterns in recent history that have already cemented their legacy as cultural touchstones for decades to come. Among those greats is a pattern developed by designer Sheila […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1288,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=\"1\"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\"][et_pb_text]<\/p>

Discover the inspiration and personal stories behind the iconic pattern, Harlem Toile, as designed and told by world-renowned designer Sheila Bridges<\/a>.<\/em><\/h3>

There are a few patterns in recent history that have already cemented their legacy as cultural touchstones for decades to come. Among those greats is a pattern developed by designer Sheila Bridges, who created one the of most iconic and celebrated designs of the 21st<\/sup> century: Harlem Toile de Jouy.<\/p>

The story starts when Bridges failed to find the perfect toile for her own home. After deciding that it quite simply didn\u2019t exist, she took matters into her own hands and brought her dream toile to life, calling it Harlem Toile de Jouy.<\/p>

Harlem Toile de Jouy reinvents a classic decorating staple and questions constructs of representation, all while retaining its romantic appeal.<\/p>

Here, we\u2019re exploring the backstory behind Bridges\u2019 iconic pattern, and sharing the details on how you can bring this pattern into your own home.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

Harlem Toile as part of The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum permanent wallpaper collection \/\/ Photo credit: Cooper Hewitt<\/a><\/em><\/p>

What is Toile?<\/h2>

To better understand Bridges\u2019 vision, it\u2019s necessary to start by unraveling the roots of Toile de Jouy. The name \u201cToile de Jouy\u201d or \u201cToile\u201d for short, originates from late 18th<\/sup> century France and translates to \u201clinen or cloth from Jouy en Josas,\u201d a French town in the south-west suburbs of Paris. Toile de Jouy refers to the decorative floral, bucolic or pastoral scenes printed on a single-colored fabric. The repetitive vignettes mainly portray European traditions in black, blue, or red ink which are printed onto a white linen or cotton fabric.<\/p>

The pattern was initially produced in Ireland during the mid-1700s by Francis Nixon and later introduced in France by Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf in the late 1700s. Toile de Jouy made its way to America during the turn of the 18th<\/sup> century, and became a lasting sensation with a resurgence in the 20th<\/sup> century.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

A traditional French toile, from 1783 \/\/ Photo credit: The Met Museum<\/a><\/em><\/p>

Today, Toile de Jouy is once again the spotlight, but this time with a contemporary twist. Sheila Bridges has revamped the pattern by highlighting rich African American culture and utilizing vibrant-colored fabric, while maintaining Toile de Jouy\u2019s traditional formatting.<\/p>

The pattern has been spotlighted in various museums including The Studio Museum in Harlem, The Museum of Art and Design in New York City and the Mus\u00e9e De La Toile de Jouy in Jouy-en Josas, France. Harlem Toile de Jouy wallpaper is part of The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum permanent wallpaper collection.<\/p>

Who is Sheila Bridges?<\/h2>

Sheila Bridges is an author, TV personality and \u201cAmerica\u2019s Best Interior Designer,\u201d as named by CNN and Time Magazine. Bridges began her creative journey by establishing her interior design firm in 1994. As creative director, she skillfully designed numerous residences and offices for an array of renowned entertainers, entrepreneurs and business executives.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

Interior designer Sheila Bridges in her home in Harlem \/\/ Photo credit: The Inside<\/em><\/p>

Bridges, a Philadelphia native, made the move to New York City in 1986. Harlem Toile de Jouy<\/a> honors her current town of Harlem, New York and reflects her relationship with decorative arts and the African American experience. Bridges inspiration grows from her interest in historical narratives found in design and the discussions they often raise. Stirred by the lack of African American culture represented in traditional Toile de Jouy patterns, Bridges decided to create her own inclusive pattern that tackles stereotypes often associated with African Americans.<\/p>

Bridges fuses the past and present by displaying figures enjoying contemporary activities in an 18th century environment. She illustrates vignettes of men playing basketball, children playing double-dutch, couples dancing to the beat of the boom box, women gracefully braiding each other\u2019s hair and people casually enjoying fried chicken and watermelon. These patterns, which lampoon some of the stereotypes of the African American experience, ultimately celebrate their complex history and rich culture which has often been appropriated.<\/p>

Although Bridges initially created Harlem Toile de Jouy for wallcoverings, she has since expanded her collection to a variety of products (plus fabric by the yard), ranging from window shades and glassware to sneakers and speakers. And as of recently, Harlem Toile de Jouy is also available on affordable furniture through Bridges\u2019 exclusive collaboration with The Inside.<\/p>

Sheila Bridges x The Inside<\/h2>

Bridges\u2019 exclusive collaboration with The Inside<\/a> brings Harlem Toile de Jouy to life in an entirely new way. For the first time ever, Harlem Toile de Jouy is available on quality yet reasonably priced furniture, making it accessible to a wider audience.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

The Inside x Sheila Bridges \/\/ Photo credit: The Inside<\/em><\/p>

Danielle Walish, creative director & co-founder of The Inside says \u201cTo me, Harlem Toile de Jouy is iconic: it\u2019s one of the most important textile designs of the 21st century. It forces us to question iconography and the meaning behind it.\u201d<\/p>

Bridges shares this sentiment as she has long wished for Harlem Toile de Jouy to be available on budget-friendly furniture. Bridges says \u201cAfter spending so much time at home due to the pandemic, I realize more than ever how incredibly important it is to surround yourself with furniture that brings you joy but won\u2019t break the bank. I love the fact that The Inside\u2019s furnishings are customizable but without the long lead time.\u201d<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

The Inside x Sheila Bridges \/\/ Photo credit: The Inside<\/em><\/p>

Harlem Toile de Jouy is featured in five new colorways and can be applied to any of The Inside\u2019s furniture and home d\u00e9cor items. Bridges says \u201cThe colorways are brand new and inspired by many of the schemes that I live with in my own homes.\u201d<\/p>

No matter how small or large your next interior project is \u2013 from the accent pillow or ottoman to the new statement sofa or bed \u2013 The Inside\u2019s collab featuring Bridges\u2019 toile patterns offers an accessible way to incorporate iconic designs and inspiring narratives into our homes, no matter our ancestral roots.<\/p>

By: Ivana Maldonado<\/em><\/p>

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