New HOTP Collection: A Picnic In Provence

The History

“Les Indiennes” are undeniably Provençal, yet their origins trace back to India. These fabrics came to life through a process where artisans carved wooden blocks and used ink to stamp onto the textiles. In the 17th century, Armenian merchants in tax-free Marseille began importing these textiles from India.

Envisioning the British nobility’s admiration for their vibrant, lightweight cotton. King Louis XIV, known for his fashion-forward sensibilities, recognised their potential and had his finance minister, Jean Baptiste Colbert, import them through the French East India Company. These textiles graced the attire of nobles, while ingenious merchants in Marseille crafted affordable versions, allowing common people to embrace these colourful fabrics.

After a temporary ban, they returned to France in 1759, thriving in Provence with locally inspired designs, making their mark in Provençal markets and becoming a symbol of the region’s unique cultural identity.

The Development

Our journey to create this collection began with extensive research into vintage ‘Les Indiennes’ prints. Seeking to understand the historical context and reinterpret traditional floral motifs while infusing Australian inspirations. In this creative process, we introduced geometric elements, departing from conventional woodblock techniques and embracing digital printing technology.

To preserve the authenticity of the designs, we initiated hand-drawn sketches, preserving the human touch and unique handwriting in each motif. These sketches were then scanned and transformed into seamless patterns, allowing us to tailor the colours to our liking. Our colour palette was a conscious reflection of the Provençal countryside and a nod to the Australian landscape, resulting in a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation.

Olive

Immerse yourself in the rustic allure of the French Provencal countryside with our olive and chartreuse-inspired colour palette. From the rich earthy tones of olive groves to the vibrant hues of chartreuse

Flint

Elevate the classic black and white with our warm monochrome palette. Sophistication with a smart contemporary twist.

Terracotta

From the terracotta roof tiles to the blooming fields, this story exudes a romantic and feminine charm, heightened by the contrasting russet and rich mahogany browns.

Seafoam

Discover the coastal charm of our Seafoam colour palette, guided by the pristine waters of Australia and the provincial French coast.

Amber

Get lost in the luminous beauty of our amber colourway, inspired by the enchanting light of Provence that has ignited the creativity of countless artists. It brings the warmth and radiance of this region’s light into your surroundings.