Textile Trio

-- Interior Design, 3/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

MAHARAM S THREE NEW INTRODUCTIONS include the Action series as well as archival patterns by Alexander Girard and Verner Panton. Spurred by the mesh trend (think Herman Miller's Aeron chair and footwear from Nike and Miu Miu), Maharam has fused two types of polyester knit-an open mesh and a fine denier tricot-and laminated them together to form one fabric called AF96 (shown here). The twin fabric construction allows a brightly colored underlayer to assert itself through an opposing mesh overlayer. Not shown is AF25, which simulates chain mail in nine colors ranging from metallic to bright red. Both patterns have a stain-resistant Teflon finish and a one million double-rub Wyzenbeek rating for durability. The four patterns of Maharam's Alexander Girard collection include Facets, Checker, Double Triangles, and Checker Split. All are available in black and white; Checker is also offered in various color combinations originally conceived by Girard. Though the originals were printed on lightweight cotton, Maharam has interpreted the designs on woven fabrics, many of which are reversible. Finally, two fabrics from Op-Art visionary Verner Panton include Geometri and Optik in various vivid color combinations. Maharam, 251 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010. www.maharam.com.

circle 304