Allez les Bleus! Part I

Pemberton and Connolly have collaborated on a collection of indigo-based quilts to complement the Spring Summer ’24 fashion collection.

In shades of blue from workwear to cobalt, cerulean to ink, the quilts take inspiration from a special quadratic print that was the nucleus of the collection. QUAD 101 evokes the print straight-up, Quad 360 rotates the basic unit four times. Each quilt in these two designs is subtly different by virtue of a degree of improvisation.

Connolly, founded in 1878, became known around the world in the 20th century for leather upholstery supplied to the luxury British automobile industry. Later – and having diversified into seating, luggage and leather accessories – the brand was transformed by Isabel Ettedgui into a retail concept expressing all Connolly’s history of craftsmanship in fashion, accessories and an eclectic range of new and vintage objets. Part of this rebirth was the refurbishment of an exquisite eighteenth century townhouse in Mayfair in which Connolly has made its 21st century home.

Ten indigo linens and cottons – including handloom Khadi, hand-dyed, antique French damask, and Connolly’s own cotton-silk printed voile – are patchworked in a neutral field of broken white into a quartet of one-of-a-kind quilts. They are available exclusively from Connolly both online and in the beautiful Mayfair shop from 10 May 2024.

Three new hand quilt designs will be on display for London Craft week in the first floor gallery: see Part II later this week.