Abboud Anew

Karen D. Singh and Mark McMenamin -- Interior Design, 4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

 

From gloves and socks to dishes and duvets, Joseph Abboud menswear has spawned a slew of licensed extensions. But the world of commercial interiors always eluded the label—until Versa Wallcovering entered the picture. The manufacturer paired its director of creative design, Bruce Foster, with Abboud’s design director, John Gaudet, and the two went to work on a wall-covering line, Joseph Abboud for Versa.

Leaving wool and cotton far behind, the wall coverings are made from Versa’s Second-Look low-VOC recycled vinyl, produced with water-based ink and adhesive and coated with agents to inhibit the growth of mildew, fungi, and microbes. The vinyl proves a highly receptive host for 14 deeply embossed patterns rich with haberdashery references: the paisley of Ascot, glen plaid of Tex-Tiles, checks of Manhattan Square, and shirting of Cravate Stripe. Patine mimics well-worn suede, while Panama Linen looks just like you’d imagine. Foster and Gaudet also considered life beyond the runway with patterns inspired by the rugged outdoors. Woodlands recalls the texture of bark; Madagascar borrows from sandy plateaus. All are available in many colors and two widths, 52 and 54 inches. 502-458-1502; versawallcovering.com. circle 415

Photography by Paul Godwin.