The most beautiful fabrics ever made? … Probably
21st July 2021De Le Cuona
Combining traditional techniques and craftsmanship with the latest technology has always been at the heart of fabric brand, de Le Cuona.
The luxury linen brand was established in 1992 by Bernie de Le Cuona - an adventurous spirit born out of Africa with a passion for discovering the best quality natural fibers and the finest artisans to work with.
How it all began ...
While travelling in Belgium, Bernie was introduced to linen and the beauty of this robust yet gentle fabric. It’s versatility and the way it can feel inspired her and the finest flax fields amazed her. The de Le Cuona journey was born.
Continuing her travels, Bernie visited India where she was introduced to specialist craftsmen producing silk, where all weaving and finishing was done by hand. Considering the incredible attention to detail, she immediately thought that the softening technique can be applied to linen and ever since its inception de Le Cuona has continued to design and produce strong yet soft linens using the highest quality materials.
The beautiful textures, complemented by the distinctive colour palette, inspired by Africa, is what makes de Le Cuona’s collections truly unique.
Sustainable Luxury
De Le Cuona is a pioneer of sustainable luxury textiles. Knowing the origins of all the raw materials used, from sourcing the finest natural fibres for fabrics, right through to designing stylish recycled packaging, sustainability is a core part of the brand identity.
Using considered, environmentally friendly and sustainable processes is also key to the production of the linen produced. Linen is one of the lowest-energy, and lowest-water fibers, in comparison to others like silk, wool and polyester. Linen grown for de Le Cuona uses only rainwater, and river water is used during the washing process and then filtered back into the river.
The Perfect Sleep
Organic sustainability is echoed in de Le Cuona’s totally organic bed linen range - it uses 100% organic linen designed with health and wellbeing in mind. Linen is known for increasing sleep quality due to its hypoallergenic and thermo regulation qualities; it is also durable and naturally anti-bacterial, making it the perfect fabric for bedding.
The bed linen collection is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning the items have been sustainably produced without harmful chemicals which could be emitted into your living space.
The Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTS is the worldwide leading standard for organic fibers. Certification to GOTS ensures the organic status of fabrics, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and ethically responsible production and the ethical treatment of workers as well as the chemicals being used. GOTS encourages manufacturers and farmers to control and reduce energy, chemicals and water use in the fiber growing production process.
Cotton Vs Linen
While GOTS certified linen and GOTS certified cotton are both fantastic alternatives to conventional natural and synthetic fabrics, these fabrics have different qualities.
Linen is more suitable for lifestyle due to its versatile qualities, it's naturally antibacterial and does not support bacteria growth, so it’s kind to skin. Linen fabrics also have natural thermoregulation and moisture-wicking properties, which makes it a perfect for peaceful sleep. Cotton doesn’t share these qualities and takes longer to dry. Also, from a sustainability point of view, cotton consumes more energy than linen during the production process, as flax is a low energy fiber in comparison to cotton.
Additionally, linen’s natural durability makes it a perfect material for interior design, making the ideal upholstery, curtains and home accessories due to its high ‘rub test’.
“When we say totally organic, we mean each of the up to six different traceable stages from the field where the seed is planted, to the final product arriving at our warehouse is certified by GOTS. de Le Cuona Pure will be 100% organic”.
Bernie de Le Cuona, Founder and CEO
We are delighted to represent de Le Cuona at Tobias Oliver Interiors. Check out our website for the extensive range of wonderful linen throws, cushions and bed linen.
