Dransfield & Ross, a home furnishings partnership renown for decorative pillows that have long been a favorite with interior designers and high-end retailers, is launching “Performance Art,” a collection of home décor accessories that feature Sunbrella® fabrics in unique applications.

“Working with Sunbrella fabrics has opened up a whole range of new possibilities for us,” said Geoffrey Ross, president of Dransfield & Ross. “We’ve leveraged the benefits of a performance fabric while continuing the artisanal look that our customers value.”  

The Performance Art collection includes decorative pillows, tabletop, serving trays, plates, tote bags, yoga mats, Amish-crafted quilts, ceramics and even jump ropes and jewelry made with Sunbrella yarns. The new collection will debut during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market on July 10-14.  

“Performance Art includes applications of Sunbrella fabrics that you might expect, such as uniquely styled decorative pillows, but there are many other completely unexpected uses, such as incorporating Sunbrella into ceramics, jewelry and Amish quilts,” said John Dransfield, CEO of the Dransfield & Ross. “As a performance fabric, Sunbrella opens up the use of fabrication techniques, such as laser cutting, yet retains the handmade look that is the signature of everything we do.”

Dransfield & Ross began its collaboration with Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the makers of Sunbrella fabrics, more than eight months ago through an introduction from Sherri Donghia, former design director for Donghia fabrics.

“Sherri thought it would be interesting to see what we could do with Sunbrella in non-traditional application,” Ross said. “Our customers – professional interior designers and high-end retailers – will see products in our booth unlike anything they’ve ever seen before.”

The collection’s name, “Performance Art,” encapsulates the goal of the new offerings of distinctive Dransfield & Ross designs with Sunbrella fabrics.

“The name embodies the spirit of our intentions,” Dransfield said. “We felt there was a void in the market for modern, handcrafted, high-performance pillows, table linens, and other textile-based home furnishings that can withstand the rigors of modern life.”  

Dransfield and Ross emphasize that the collection debuting at the Atlanta show in July is only the introduction of Performance Art, with many additions anticipated in coming months.

“As with everything we do, the Performance Art collection will evolve,” Ross said. “Our team always takes the aesthetic lead, but we listen carefully to our retailer and interior design customers for insights into the needs of consumers. It’s a collaboration that helps make our offerings stronger with each iteration.”

For Glen Raven, the Dransfield & Ross introduction continues an ongoing focus on expanding the applications of Sunbrella fabrics. In addition to traditional uses for Sunbrella, such as outdoor furniture and shade products, Glen Raven is extending its brand to provide worry-free lifestyles throughout the home, inside and out, with the look and the feel of the finest designer fabrics.

“This partnership demonstrates the almost limitless possibilities with Sunbrella fabrics today,” said Greg Rosendale, residential market manager for Glen Raven. “While performance remains the core of the Sunbrella brand, our fabrics offer the sophistication that a creative design firm such as Dransfield & Ross can take in completely unexpected directions.”

The Dransfield & Ross booth during the Atlanta show is located in the High Design Home, Floor 1 of Building 1, Booth #8. To view the Performance Art collection, go to www.sunbrellaperformanceart.com.  

About Dransfield & Ross
John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross are the influential designers behind their eponymous 22-year old home furnishings company.

John Dransfield’s previous profession as a fashion designer keeps the collection always evolving while maintaining a couture edge. Geoffrey Ross’ talents as a designer of high-end textiles have enriched the collections of Scalamandre in New York and Nobilis in Paris. Melding their passions, they have created a collection of home goods with an idiosyncratic mix of textures and colors that are infused with their encyclopedic knowledge of the decorative arts.  

Dransfield and Ross’ client list includes such prestigious retailers as Amen, Wardy Home, Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Horchow, Gumps, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lane Crawford, Robb & Stucky and W Hotels as well as the finest specialty stores and design firms around the country.

About Sunbrella Fabrics
Introduced in 1961, the Sunbrella® brand revolutionized the way the world thinks about how beautiful fabrics look, feel and perform. Sunbrella fabrics are the leading premium choice for awning, marine and furniture manufacturers, offering legendary durability, fade resistance and ease of cleaning.

Upholstery fabrics from Sunbrella are continually advancing in design sophistication and comfort, resulting in applications both outside and inside the home for coordinated décor. Sunbrella fabrics have been certified by GreenGuard, an international standard, for contributing to indoor air quality.

Sunbrella fabrics are designed, manufactured and marketed by Glen Raven, a 134-year-old family-owned company based in North Carolina with operations worldwide. For more information on the Sunbrella brand, including fabric resources, visit www.sunbrella.com.