Conrad Imports - Manufacturers information page
Conrad Original Handwoven Sunshades
CONRAD Original Sunshades, is without comparison. Handwoven of sustainable natural fibers, the product is uniquely beautiful both in its design and in its stewardship to the Earth. Nature, with its abundance of beauty, provides the materials for CONRAD handwoven window coverings. Wind, water, sunlight, and time produce the exquisite patinas and nuances of character found in each CONRAD roman fold window shade. We select only those natural fibers with the most magnificent color, texture, quality, and sheen. The quality is visible to the eye.
Legacy
The legacy of an ancient art, CONRAD Original Sunshades are today modern classics, specified by designers and architects around the world. Our quality and recognizable design have set the industry standard since 1956, when we created our very first products of sustainable natural fibers. We proudly continue the legacy that has defined CONRAD for sixty years.
Looking to the natural world for inspiration, we draw from landscapes of infinite beauty and variety to create handwoven natural fiber shades and other products of incomparable design and craftsmanship.
There is no comparison with a CONRAD original. The meticulous detailing and hours of handwork in the art can only be seen in the extraordinary beauty of the finished product.
A small inscribed plaque on each of our shades identifies it as a handcrafted CONRAD—the Original.
CONRAD Original Sunshades are individually handwoven. Each is unique, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of its natural fibers and the mastery of the artist who created it. CONRAD shades have continuous handwoven strands, not exposed, cut edges—they are custom-woven to size, rather than made to size from machine-loomed fabric rolls.
We offer two styles of weaving, our classic Original Series, and our Landscapes Collection, which features widely spaced vertical warp thread sections.
CONRAD shades are naturally translucent, making them excellent for any room with a view. For sun control and privacy CONRAD offers fabric-lining, independent roller shades, and many other Options.
The legacy of an ancient art, CONRAD Original Sunshades are today modern classics, specified by designers and architects across the world. Our quality and recognizable design have set the industry standard since 1956 when we created our very first products of sustainable natural fibers. We proudly continue the legacy that has defined CONRAD for fifty years.
Looking to the natural world for inspiration, we draw from landscapes of infinite beauty and variety to create handwoven natural fiber shades, drapery, and other products of incomparable design and craftsmanship.
There is no comparison with a CONRAD original. The meticulous detailing and hours of handwork in the art can only be seen in the extraordinary beauty of the finished product. A small inscribed plaque on each of our draperies and shades identifies it as a handcrafted CONRAD original.
History
However modern, we carry within us a longing for the timeless landscapes of nature and the time-honored traditions of craftsmanship. Both have inspired CONRAD to create products that bring natural beauty and harmony into our homes.
Sixty years ago, Edie Conrad founded a business that has become legendary. She began by importing “Biri-Weaves” from her native Norway, handwoven wall coverings made by interweaving wheat and barley strands with silk and linen fibers. Traveling to Asia in the 1960s, Edie discovered the skilled artisans and exotic natural fibers of Asia and a collection of handwoven window coverings was born.
Edie Conrad‘s passion for simplicity, elegance and superb craftsmanship still serves as the essence of our business. Today CONRAD offers Roman shades, roll-up shades and a contemporary Sliding Panel Shade System. All products are handcrafted and meticulously finished in the CONRAD tradition.
Available through designers, architects and fine window covering studios.
Link to Official Website - ConradImports.com
Hartman & Forbes
A domestic hand crafted shade line, very similar to the Conrad line,
But unique in it's own right.
Link to Official Website - Hartman and Forbes.com
HANDWOVEN SHADES
PREMIUM FIBERS + HANDCRAFTED QUALITY + CREATIVE DESIGNS
The quality, character and design of each Hartmann&Forbes product begins with the careful examination and selection of premium natural fibers. Working with local farmers within close proximity to our weaving facility, we select the finest rapidly renewable materials, using strict measures for color, texture and durability. After loom preparation, which includes dyeing, sun bleaching and hand tying each fiber, a loom master weaves our signature designs using a complex rhythm of warps and wefts. Custom shade finishing is done in our Portland, Oregon facility by skilled American craftsmen – each shade, drapery and top treatment carefully crafted to the designers precise requirements.
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