Frette spotlights sustainability through bed linen capsule Naturalismo

When it comes to masterfully crafted linens and decorative home accessories, Italian brand Frette has an unparalleled legacy of 160 years. For Spring/Summer 2023, the Milan-based brand injects the spirit of exploration, discovery, and wonder into the luxurious world of fine Italian linens. Defined by inspired colourways, patterns and materiality, the collection invites clients to savour the year’s renewed sense of freedom and embark on a spirited journey, shaping experience by way of exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The highlight of the SS23 Collection is Naturalismo, Frette’s first 100 per cent organic, sustainable bed linen capsule. Taking cues from nature, for the past 160 years, both to realise their craft and as this season’s defining source of inspiration, Frette now looks to the future, focusing on how to weave sustainability into their legacy. Each stage of the capsule’s design process unfolded with thorough attention to detail, drawing inspiration from Frette’s characteristic innovation, craftsmanship and commitment to quality. In celebration of Frette’s inaugural 100 per cent organic linen collection, the House has partnered with One Tree Planted, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation, to donate 10,000 trees for planting in the Mexican Monarch Butterfly Habitat.

“This contribution will facilitate reforestation within the montane oyamel fir and native pine forests of central Mexico, an area uniquely suited to provide the climate and shelter required by eastern migratory monarchs following their long migration journey,” reads the brand’s official release. By planting oyamel and other native tree species to restore montane oyamel fir and pine forests, Frette will aid in the protection of vital monarch nesting grounds, restore degraded lands, improve water filtration and watershed health, protect vital ecosystem services for nearby communities, and more. This is one of Frette’s first steps toward reducing its carbon footprint and weaving sustainability into its legacy.

The collection employs organic cotton that is harvested to ensure an optimal balance of strength, softness, longevity and comfort. The cotton is then cleaned using sustainable methods, dyed, and spun into yarns ready for weaving. Organic yarns are dyed prior to spinning, allowing for greater absorption and saturation of colour while the Naturalismo yarns are dyed using an exclusive dyeing process employing organic, dried poppy petals and no chemical agents. Each yarn is dexterously woven to form cotton sateen bed linens and detailed with a simple hem finish.

To realise Naturalismo, cornfield poppy, also called rosolaccio, was chosen as the organic dyeing agent. The poppy plant is used in its entirety, including its petals, and dried in a shady, warm and well-ventilated environment to produce rosolaccio. Tremendous expertise is required to ensure each tincture produces the same colour, and this know-how is carried throughout the dyeing process, considering each batch at a molecular level. A strong understanding of the manner in which herbal molecules bind with natural fibre is essential to the success of the dyeing process. Animal fibres such as wool and cashmere most easily absorb colour, while cellulosic fibres, including cotton, are more complex.

In the case of the poppy or rosolaccio, the colour of the plant does not determine the colour produced during the dyeing process. The herbal molecules express themselves differently when used as dyeing agents due to the plant’s molecular nuances, which create only certain bonds with the chosen fibre that will remain stable and resistant to fading and discolouration. From vivid red, Frette receives a rich and inviting neutral shade with warmth for Naturalismo. Following the dyeing process, plants are recycled into compost or pellets, a biofuel that produces renewable energy.

The 100 per cent organic sheet set of cotton sateen features lightly striated weave and yarn dye using entirely organic dried poppy petals and no synthetic chemical agents. Finished using no synthetic chemical agents and a simple hem finishing, the bottom sheet of matching organic solid cotton sateen is packed in a coordinating organic solid cotton sateen drawstring bag.

Known for their original design and inimitable finish and feel, Frette linens have historically been featured everywhere, from the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica to the dining car of the Orient Express. Today, found at elegant boutiques, celebrated department stores, and more than 1,500 luxury hotels worldwide, Frette enjoys a heritage defined by craftsmanship and an outlook rooted in innovation, aspiring to outfit the world’s most exceptional spaces for generations to come.