For a dose of the South of France, we recommend a visit to Les Toiles du Soleil, a shop in Chelsea where the glorious textiles will inspire reveries of summer afternoon sunbathing.
Founded 150 years ago in the Catalan region of France, Les Toiles du Soleil (which translates to ‘the cloth of the sun") has its single US outpost in NYC. Rolls of striped fabrics line the walls, bringing visions of striped deck chairs lining the beaches of the French Riviera; and an array of accessories—pillows, tote bags, aprons—are on offer. The 100-percent cotton fabrics are fashioned on traditional Old World looms and are sold by the yard. Some prints are available as outdoor Sunbrella fabrics.
Above: The possibilities for the fabrics include deck chair slings, but also bright shower curtains. Image via The Places I Love.
Above: The store stocks a selection of pillows. Image via Cool Hunting.
Above: The fabric comes in 72-inch widths.
Above: The color palette is a welcome reminder of sunny days. Image via The Places I Love.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on May 11, 2009.