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Wisteria's latest collection celebrates red, white and blue
05:11 PM CDT on Thursday, July 2, 2009
Many of us proudly hang the American flag or create a patriotic tabletop this time of year. The people behind Wisteria want things to stay that way even after the fireworks fade.The Carrollton-based home goods catalog just launched Americana, a fully loaded furnishings collection that includes dishes, artwork, linens, trays and even a flag. The all-American aesthetic is no doubt a departure from the brand's de rigueur French antiques, Moorish chests and Chinese dressers.
"We always create things that we love," says Hudson Weichsel, vice president of merchandising at Wisteria. "Americana came from that idea. Fixing America is a theme that's everywhere right now. We picked up on that."
Scrolling through the collection, it's hard to not feel the American pride. Pieces cover all corners of the country, from coastal styles – nautical salad plates, a rustic buoy sculpture – to heartland accents such as a folksy wooden tray or red and white vintage-inspired quilt.
At the root of the collection is an oversize linen American flag, already a popular pick. Current best-sellers are the embroidered cotton napkins with vintage American flags and a resin plaque featuring a soaring eagle with a "God Bless America" banner in his talons.
Although Americana debuted just in time for Independence Day, Weichsel says the collection is far from trendy, with plans for many additions in the future. Prices start at $39 for a set of four embroidered napkins.
Weichsel spoke by e-mail about the inspiration behind the collection.
Where do Wisteria's design ideas come from?
How we develop and select product is a very collaborative process. Ideas come from everywhere and everyone. ... Ideas are submitted from all departments and even family and friends. While people in finance or repairs might seem unlikely sources for inspiration, they are consumers and customers and often have good insights.
Why the Americana collection this season?
We feel there is a renewed enthusiasm in America right now. Yes, these are troubling times, but it's when faced with adversity that we as Americans dig deep and show what we are really made of. ... Patriotism and pride never go out of style. It's true we travel a lot and find inspiration in faraway places, but our hearts are never far from home.
Any in-house favorites?
At more than 12 feet long, our Oversized American Flag is enormous and one of my favorite items. Some of Andrew's [Newsom, the co-owner of Wisteria] favorite things are the Military Insignia Patch Pillows and Living Photographs Soldier Wall Art.
The collection is fitting for July Fourth. Do you see it continuing after the holiday?
The idea is that these items will blend into a lot of styles and decors. You don't have to be celebrating the Fourth or want an early-American feel to your home to love the Native American Chief Weather Vane and Stone Eagle Statues.
So we can look forward to more Americana?
We already have ideas for next year.
Brittany Edwards is a Dallas freelance writer.
To see the Americana line, visit wisteria.com.
The biggest perk to Wisteria being parked in our backyard? The Wisteria Outlet. "Sometimes we buy just for the outlet, like one-of-a-kind things or items that don't make sense for the catalog," says Hudson Weichsel. Look for samples, returned items and slighted nicked merchandise also on the floor. The Wisteria Outlet is at 2055 Luna Road, Suite 182 in Carrollton. For information, visit wisteriaoutlet.com. It's open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed for inventory through Tuesday.)
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