The History Behind Sheila Bridges's Iconic Harlem Toile de Jouy Pattern
Designer, author, and TV personality Sheila Bridges is never one to wait around for a goal to be accomplished or a dream fulfilled, and that's just what happened with her now-iconic Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern. Bridges was always drawn to the pattern's idyllic vignettes, as she finds inspiration from the historic narratives that influence design, but she wasn't finding one that would reflect her own story or celebrated Black culture.
So, she swapped France's pastoral landscapes for those that reflect her African American heritage, address the stereotypes surrounding her race, and pay homage to her current hometown of Harlem. Thus, Harlem Toile de Jouy was born, and it has been featured in galleries around the world, most recently landing a residence at The Cooper Hewitt, The Smithsonian Design Museum's permanent collection of wallcoverings. Now, Harlem Toile de Jouy is center-stage once again with a fresh line of colors and product offerings as part of Bridges's first collaboration with upholstered furniture brand The Inside. We asked her about the inspiration behind the vignettes of this beautiful, thought-provoking pattern and the exciting launch of the collaboration, which debuts today.
What Is Toile?
Toile, short for "toile de jouy," means "linen cloth" in French but has become eponymous for idyllic pastoral, floral, and bucolic motifs that began appearing on fabrics in 18th-century Ireland that were made famous by artisans in Jouy-en-Josas, a Parisian suburb. Thus, "toile de jouy" means "linen cloth from Jouy." The English soon began designing their own iterations, with Americans following suit in the 19th century, and toile has remained a hallmark of the decorative arts to this day. Nowadays, toile patterns can be found on not only fabrics but also on wallpaper and other paper goods as well as porcelain and fine china. It has also seen a major resurgence in popularity in the fashion world, with many of the industry's top brands featuring their takes on toile in spring and summer collections.
Traditionally, toile patterns feature countryside vignettes and images from European mythology printed on a single color with a white background. Bridges's take on the historic pattern not only offers a change of scenery and characters but a more vibrant take. Her Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern can often be found featuring multiple colors and a variety of backgrounds.
"The pattern, which lampoons some of the stereotypes commonly associated with African Americans, ultimately celebrates their complex history and rich culture which has often been appropriated," Bridges says. "Harlem Toile represents a different perspective and offers another visual point of view that is rarely shown in the patterns that are available in wallpapers, fabrics, and now affordable furniture. The pattern provides a more inclusive way of incorporating images and narratives into our homes, no matter our ancestral roots.
Several of the featured scenes in this pattern are a basketball vignette inspired by the legendary moment when former Philadelphia 76er and Harlem Globetrotter Wilt Chamberlain blocked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's signature skyhook. Bridges says the pattern's running scene "celebrates my love and ownership of horses and our agricultural roots in the South but at the same time addresses the stereotype of our superior athleticism as I am outrunning/pacing the herd." And the picnic vignette is of a couple enjoying a meal of foods often associated with African Americans: watermelon and fried chicken.
"The group in the background are gathered at a table—are they eating, playing cards or planning a coup? It's up to your interpretation." she says.
The Inside x Sheila Bridges
Bridges's first collaboration with The Inside debuts online today and features five brand-new colorways for the pattern that can be used on everything from throw pillows to headboards. She was excited about bringing her pattern to a wider audience with The Inside, as their ideals align with what she hoped for the future of Harlem Toile de Jouy.
"I have always wanted to see my Harlem Toile De Jouy design on furniture that was affordable, and now, thanks to this collaboration, that will be possible," Bridges says. "After spending so much time at home due to the pandemic I realize more than ever how incredibly important it is to surround yourself with furniture that brings you joy but won’t break the bank. I love the fact that The Inside’s furnishings are customizable but without the long lead times. The colorways are brand-new and inspired by many of the schemes that I live with in my own homes."
The Inside x Sheila Bridges is available exclusively on TheInside.com with prices starting at $59 for lampshades and pillows. Harlem Toile de Jouy will be available on a wide variety of furnishings: ottomans, dining and living room chairs, couches, headboards, and tables in five colorways.
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