Fabric Meets Fine Art

This March, the worlds of art and interior design converge in Colourway, a vibrant exhibition hosted by St Leger & Viney in Cape Town’s decor hub, Chelsea Village, Wynberg.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Vignette (Portrait of Sarah Ord)

Opening to the public on March 6, 2025, Colourway marks the launch of St Leger & Viney’s two new exclusive fabric collections—Modern Velvet and Vintage Linen—showcasing their stunning hues through a series of original paintings by Lauren Shantall, in collaboration with Sarah Ord.

The Concept Behind Colourway

Colourway draws inspiration from centuries-old still-life traditions, reimagined for a contemporary audience. Lauren Shantall’s interior-themed paintings, inspired by the saturated tones of St Leger & Viney’s fabrics, transform the showroom into a dynamic space where art meets design.

“I love how an interior designer might compose a room using elements like colour through the use of fabric – much in the same way a painter or photographer might compose a picture,” says Lauren. By incorporating elements of Modern Velvet and Vintage Linen into her art, she demonstrates how these versatile fabrics can seamlessly translate into visual storytelling.

Meet the Artists: Lauren Shantall and Sarah Ord

Lauren Shantall, an accomplished artist and former Deputy Editor of Elle Decoration, brings her passion for acrylic painting to the forefront. Known for her ability to capture the essence of design elements on canvas, she explains, “The fabric colours were especially inspiring as reference material. I used blocks of colour as backgrounds and foregrounds, exploring how these adaptable colourways could be translated into painting.”

Her collaborator, Sarah Ord, is a celebrated interior designer renowned for her bold use of colour and eclectic style. From designing iconic spaces like Noka Safari Lodge to private residences in Cape Cod, Sarah’s creative genius shines in her collaborative works with Lauren. Together, their paintings reflect a harmonious dialogue of colour and texture.

The Collection

The exhibition’s centrepiece is St Leger & Viney’s new fabric collections:

• Modern Velvet: Featuring 17 luxurious shades, this fabric combines a velvety texture with sleek sophistication. Its rich palette provides endless opportunities for creating statement pieces.
• Vintage Linen: Available in 15 classic tones, this fabric offers the timeless appeal of washed linen with a distinct mélange pattern.

“Both collections are like a paint palette—saturated, complex, and sophisticated,” says Peter Gordon, CEO of St Leger & Viney. These fabrics serve as inspiration for the paintings and as a foundation for countless design possibilities.

A Must-Visit Exhibition in Cape Town

Located in the heart of Chelsea Village, Wynberg, Colourway is a unique destination for both art enthusiasts and interior designers. The exhibition is open indefinitely, with new artworks added regularly to keep the experience fresh and inspiring. Visitors can explore the vibrant interplay of colours, textures, and patterns that reflect the essence of Modern Velvet and Vintage Linen.

In addition to the Cape Town showroom, select art pieces will also be displayed in St Leger & Viney’s Johannesburg showroom, ensuring that a broader audience can engage with this innovative fusion of art and design.

The Details:

• Where: St Leger & Viney Showroom, Chelsea Village, Wynberg, Cape Town
• When: Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM onwards
• Cost: Free

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