Some say luxury and quality are dead. A rather dire statement perhaps, but one that warrants discussion. Over the past year, we've seen the closure of Mrs. Strong, for generations a most elegant purveyor of stationery. And then there were the sweeping changes at Tiffany & Co. which resulted in the discontinuation of its "Bamboo" flatware (in my opinion a crime against design humanity) as well as a purging of much of its china, including my "Audubon" china. Well, it's enough to make me want to throw up my hands in disgust.
But, all is not lost. There are linen companies, stationers, fabric makers, and the like who have for decades catered to a knowledgeable, often well-heeled, and exacting clientele. These companies have been in business for years, long before the internet and corporate outsourcing became part of our lexicon. And, they're still doing business much as they have for generations. I thought that I would start a series that profiled these venerable firms in hopes of introducing them to a wider audience.
So, first up is Léron linens. Every time my travels took me to New York, I would stop by Léron's jewel box of a shop on Madison Ave (now located at the D&D Building). Imagine being surrounded by bedding, table linen, and blankets adorned with custom monograms and embroidered motifs. Holiday linens with embroidered nutcrackers on them. Sweet baby blankets and coverlets. For this girl, it was manna from heaven!
What makes Léron unique is not only its quality custom linens (although in today's world that does make one unique) but also its history. It is believed that Léron is the oldest luxury linen company in the United States, with its centennial anniversary to be celebrated in 2010. And amazingly enough, the company has remained in the same family since its inception. Now run by third-generation owner David Forster and his wife Dale, they have positioned Léron to remain viable in the 21st century by moving its showroom to the D&D building, the mecca for all designers.
Over the years, Léron has had clients ranging from royalty, socialites, and others who appreciate fine quality. In fact, it's still like that today. Léron specializes in custom linens that hearken back to the way they used to make them ages ago. Many of the linens are hand embroidered and hand appliqued. And because they've been in business for as long as they have, there is a large archive of designs from which to choose. That's not to say that you can't commission something completely new; Léron welcomes the chance to work with its customers on custom design. The sky's the limit. If you can't wait for your beautiful custom linen, there are also in-stock items that can be purchased immediately. (Check out the gorgeous holiday linens on their website.)
To learn more about Léron, I encourage you to visit its website. Or, if you're in New York, swing by its showroom at the D&D building. If you don't live in New York, there are opportunities from time to time to schedule an appointment in your home with one of Léron's sales representatives. For more information, call 800-954-6369 or email sales@leroninc.com. Now regarding my Léron wish list- do I choose bed linens embroidered with a floral motif? Perhaps table linens with an ornate, embroidered monogram? Better yet, how about custom mats and napkins to match my discontinued china?
Beautiful linen and organdy table linen
Camille
Beauvais tablecloth
Toile birds bedding
Tara bed linen
Emily bedding
Fantastic monogram made of Beauvais embroidery, some of the finest in the world. Note the embroidered cherubs.
A beautiful example of Italian lace.
How fabulous is this? Bedding designed for a Sun Valley ski lodge c. 1950s.
The new Graphique collection will appeal to those whose tastes are more contemporary.
The classic Léron pink box. It might be almost as beautiful as the linen.
(All images courtesy of Léron)