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Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, makers of Sunbrella® fabrics will introduce the Decorative Shade Collection during the 2014 IFAI Expo in Minneapolis, emphasizing the aesthetics of shade design and expanding the fabric portfolio of the 53-year-old brand. Comprised of three distinct lines, “Fundamental,” “Alloy” and “Unity,” the Decorative Shade Collection opens up new shade application possibilities for Glen Raven customers.

The Decorative Shade Collection is the result of two years of design and development work by Glen Raven. Fabrics in the collection were previewed to select customers and industry members throughout the development process as the company strove to create a collection that would stretch the boundaries of what shade fabrics can represent.

“We are eagerly pushing our fabric design and aesthetics forward with these innovative introductions,” said Vince Hankins, industrial business manager for Glen Raven, Inc. “Offering a variety of fabric textures and designs such as those in the Decorative Shade Collection allows us to shift the conversation regarding shade structures and fabric solutions beyond the most traditional applications.”

Fundamental is a jacquard shade fabric driven by classic elements with a modern twist, ideal for upscale, highly decorative applications. The first fabric of its kind in the U.S., the fabric utilizes a traditional Sunbrella fabric construction and a simple stripe concept resulting in a classic woven houndstooth pattern. Available in Charcoal, Sand and Walnut, Fundamental’s pattern is distinct close-up, yet subtle from a distance. The fabric is ideal for applications including fixed frame or retractable structures as well as umbrellas.

Building on the increased interest in metallic and solid surface shade products, Alloy takes the edgy, technical look of those structures and elevates them with fabric construction, allowing light and water to filter through the material. Using a combination of PVC and standard acrylic yarns, the fabric has a stunning metallic sheen – a mix of materials that creates a dichotomous matted and shiny look. Available in Silver, Vapor (a light pearlescent shade), Steel and Bronze, Alloy takes on a different look with each installation, including fixed frame structures, shade sails and roller shades.

“Alloy brings the aesthetic value of metal shade structures to the forefront but marries it with a textile solution that will allow for fabrication flexibility,” Hankins said. “It is intended for structure where the need for an architectural aesthetic outweighs the need for complete protection from the elements.”

Also included in the Sunbrella Decorative Shade Collection is Unity a line of fabrics made from recycled content and offering a rich dimensional texture. Unity combines up to 50-percent post-industrial recycled Sunbrella fiber with virgin Sunbrella fiber and achieves a unique style and vintage charm while providing rich color, distinctive texture and excellent performance. Available in Ashe, Granite, Char, Leaf and Garnet, this fabric is ideal for any decorative shade application.

“Unity is crafted for shade applications where subtle texture and distinctive detail are a part of the overall shade design,” Hankins said. “The green story behind Unity is another plus for this line.”

Fabrics in the Decorative Shade Collection carry a five-year warranty. For care and cleaning instructions for the full collection of awning and marine fabrics, including the new Decorative Shade Collection, visit www.sunbrella.com/cleaning. 

About Sunbrella Fabrics 
Introduced in 1961, Sunbrella revolutionized the way the world thinks about how beautiful fabrics look, feel and perform. The Sunbrella brand is the leading premium fabric 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 manufactured and marketed by Glen Raven, a 132-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.