D. D. Tillett: Classic Fabric Design
Custom-made fabric designs by D.D. And Leslie Tillett that graced the Kennedy White House maintain their appeal over 40 years into the future; this is truly the definition of ‘classic design’ – a design that can weather the trending tides of decades and still hold its own appeal to the discerning designer and homeowner.
Albert Hadley and Sister Parish were among the distinguished designers which graced the client list of the Tilletts. As a result, Albert Hadley had accumulated an extensive library of custom Tillett designs which he had custom colored, and which, he graciously granted me permission to access.
With the Tillett designs, we again had the privilege of taking classic design and bringing fresh life to it by applying new color combinations, while still utilizing the methods of craftsmanship that create the uniqueness that is seen in hand painted textiles. A few years ago, with Mr. Hadley’s permission, I used these custom designs from his archive library to re-design with Mrs. Tillett. It was a pleasure working with her in what would be one of her last projects. I always find it an extreme pleasure to incorporate them into the design ideas I present to my clients. I have chosen a few of my favorite hand painted samples to share with you in this blog post.
The Tilletts did not limit their contribution to the textile world to their creative designs. They were also instrumental in the development of textile printing businesses both in the U.S. and abroad. The Tilletts took their textile business consulting to every level of the operations they were involved in, teaching printing and design techniques, as well as assisting emerging businesses in bringing their products to the United States.
In testimonial to the timelessness of their designs and their tremendous contribution to the world of textile design, an exhibition, “The World of D.D. and Leslie Tillett.” will be opening October 17 at the Museum of the City of New York. The retrospective exhibit surveys the work of this husband-and-wife textile-design team and includes hand-printed fabrics, clothing, and drawings, as well as featuring keynote speakers from the high society of the design world.
D.D. and Leslie Tillet have, and will continue to be, names of renown within the world of design.
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