Molly Mahon Launches Tapes Plains & Stripes Collection

Molly Mahon launches Tapes Plains & Stripes, a vibrant collection of hand-block printed tapes and fabrics, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics.

Molly Mahon, the renowned British textile designer, is set to launch an exquisite new collection of hand-block printed tapes, vibrant plain cotton fabrics, and captivating woven stripes on 18th September 2024.

This latest offering from the Sussex-based designer showcases her enduring passion for the art of block printing and her ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

A delightful assortment of decorative tapes serves as the foundation of this new collection, transferring the enduring beauty of block printing to a versatile new medium.

These tapes, which are meticulously handblock-printed in India using eco-friendly inks on pure cotton, are inspired by the natural beauty of her Sussex surroundings and the passion of India. The designs were created in Mahon’s Sussex studio.

“I love the versatility of these charming tapes; they can be applied anywhere and everywhere to great effect,” Mahon enthuses. “From a creative flourish adorning furniture, doorways, cushions, blinds and curtains to design elements on lampshades and headboards, personalising and adding character to ready-made furniture or incorporating into upholstery, there are unbounded possibilities.”

The collection includes intricate floral designs such as ‘Mughal’ and ‘Poppy’, which celebrate the romance and beauty of blooms seen in miniature paintings during Mahon’s trips to India.

These are juxtaposed with the untamed ‘Strawberry’ pattern, which was inspired by the countryside surrounding her Sussex residence. A stripe of colour is edging each design, which is adorned with sophisticated over-stitching that adds dimension and character.

The tapes are designed to be incredibly versatile, and suitable for a wide range of applications.

They can transform curtains and upholstery or add a personal touch to cushions and accessories, making them perfect for those looking to add an inexpensive and adaptable touch of hand-block print charm to their home.

Mahon has also included a host of delightful coordinating stripes and playful checks in the collection, which can be paired with the floral tapes for a joyful, exuberant, and layered approach.

These exquisite, handcrafted embellishments are intended to be applied individually to both plain and patterned fabrics or in combination to produce broad bands of tonal or contrasting decoration.

“Don’t forget the walls too,” Mahon suggests. “Add above skirting, along a dado rail or to frame panelling, they are a fantastic way to delineate architectural details or to finish off a wallpapered or fabric-lined room. Small in stature, these hand-crafted tapes create a big decorative impact, adding a delightful touch of vibrant, artisanal charm wherever they are applied.”

Alongside the delightful new tapes, Molly Mahon introduces two artisanal, loom-woven chunky cotton and jute fabrics. ‘Odisha Loom’ features bold stripes in colours from across the collections, perfect for furniture upholstery, blinds and cushions. This fabric combines vibrant beauty with exceptional durability, making it a practical choice for high-use areas in the home.

Also joining the collection are three new colourways of richly textured faux-linen cotton fabric. ‘Peter’ is now available in hot pink, turmeric, and olive. These vibrant, earthy colours blend the rich cultural tapestries of India and England, adding a touch of global charm and sophistication to any interior.

These new fabric offerings provide the perfect partners for mixing and matching with Molly Mahon’s iconic prints and versatile new tapes. The vibrant and elegant plains and wonderfully rich woven stripes offer homeowners and designers the chance to play with and personalise design schemes with ease.

At the heart of Molly Mahon’s work is a deep appreciation and passion for the traditional craft of block printing. This ancient technique, which originates in East Asia and has become synonymous with Indian textiles, is a painstaking, hand-crafted process that has changed little over the centuries.

Every Molly Mahon design starts with a drawing that is then transformed into beautiful wooden blocks, the studio’s printing tools for the plethora of fabrics, wallpapers and homewares created.

Mahon’s drawings, inspired by her love of block printing, local trees, landscapes and the flora and fauna of the British countryside, as well as the colours and energy of India and traditional Indian motifs, are handed over to an artisanal block carver to recreate in wood.

In the hands of the block printers in Delhi, the base cloth, woven by hand in the south of India, is then painstakingly hand-block-printed in Molly Mahon’s gorgeous signature colours, each mixed by eye, then dried in the sun, washed, ironed and carefully shipped.

Every fabric is a testament to the Molly Mahon team’s effort, reflecting the love and joy imbued along its creative journey.

Molly Mahon’s distinctive use of colour and pattern, combined with her British sensibility and fresh, modern aesthetic, results in uplifting, joyful items that sing with life and joy. The new collection is no exception, offering a riot of colour and pattern that can enliven any interior.

“I can’t wait to see how people use them in their homes,” Mahon says of the new tapes. “Perhaps combined with our vibrant plain fabrics to add a little decorative detail in an otherwise pared-back interior, or in abundance, combined with bold florals, woven stripes and fabulous prints.”

Molly Mahon’s commitment to sustainable and ethical production is evident in this new collection. The tapes are printed using eco-friendly inks, and the company works with skilled artisans and craftspeople to weave, carve and hand block print in India.

However, Mahon also believes in investing in and supporting talented local makers at home. Lampshades are crafted in Devon and Norfolk, artisans sew items by hand from their homes between Scotland and Brighton, cushions are stitched in a small-scale studio in the south of England, and surface-printed wallpapers are made in Accrington on traditional machines from 1838.

What sets Molly Mahon apart is the personal touch evident in every piece. The company remains very much a family affair, with Mahon working alongside her husband Rollo, their children, and even their dog Bramble.

Together with an incredibly talented team who share her passion for colour and craft, they collectively deliver Molly’s distinctive and joyful signature patterns across expansive collections of fabrics, wallpapers, cushions, stationery, lighting, table linens and home accessories.

As Molly Mahon prepares to launch this exciting new collection, it’s clear that the company’s future is bright.

By continuing to innovate while staying true to traditional craftsmanship, Mahon is ensuring that the art of block printing remains relevant and cherished in contemporary interiors.

“Block printing changed my path in life,” Mahon reflects. It’s this transformative power of creativity that she seeks to share, not only through her products but also through workshops dedicated to the art of block printing.

These workshops allow people to rediscover their own creativity, learn to appreciate the beautiful craft of block printing, and make something to treasure and add a thoughtful touch to their own home.

As we look forward to the launch of this new collection on 18th September 2024, it’s clear that Molly Mahon continues to be at the forefront of British textile design, bringing beauty, character, life and joy into homes around the world.

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