Real-life fables

Childhood reminiscing is made tangible in Fable’s charming fabric and wallpaper collections – the most recent of which was done in collaboration with photographer and surface designer Robin Sprong.

Fable’s very first fabric ranges, “In the Beginning” and “On a Trot”, came into being by transforming objects associated with past pursuits of fun into delightful designs for children’s rooms.

“Old-world scenes were given new life through our choice in layout, use of colour, and the combination of lines and silhouettes. It’s become a vintage expression without the murkiness,” says co-founder Kelly Silberman.

In wanting to provide a more holistic approach to children’s decor, Fable recently collaborated with Cape Town creative Robin Sprong to create a locally produced wallpaper collection (of which there are very few in South Africa).

“When I saw the Fable fabric collections at Design Indaba 2011, I was absolutely blown away,” Robin says. “The marriage between their designs, colour and cloth was smart and subtle, and I knew there was potential to translate the fabrics into wall coverings.”

Fable’s hand-drawn designs combine simple imagery, rich in pattern, with colour palettes that add a burst of freshness to those traditionally associated with children’s rooms.

“Worldwide, there’s a definite move away from noisy and overly bright colours to more toned-down combinations of day-dreamy blues and greens and richer navies and reds,” Marike Rood says. “For instance, fresh pinks, subtle lilacs, highlights of mimosa and bright pink bring our ‘On a Trot’ collection to life.”

VISI is particularly fond of the seascapes and woodland themes, enhanced by splashes of South African fauna and flora, while the classic circus imagery has us pining for candyfloss and popcorn. A space rocket sneaking in alongside an old warplane in another design delivers just the right amount of quirk.

Fable: www.fable.co.za, kelly@fable.co.za 
Robin Sprong: www.robinsprong.com