Every self-respecting Provencal person has one at home or elsewhere: a tablecloth in Indian fabric . Young and old, young and old, we all shared a summer lunch around a table set with this solar print.
But where does this fabric come from, which is part of the walls of shops in the South and which continues to cover certain wooden chairs typical of the region?
Spoiler: this fabric is not new. It all starts… in India!
photo credit: ManicBlue
The journey of the Indians
A cotton fabric with bright colors and floral designs was exported to France as early as the 16th century from India. Its success was such that protectionist measures ended up banning its manufacture in the following century. Despite this ban, indianaire continues to spread and flourish in the southern regions of France.
The art of imitation
Prohibition or stubborn stain, nothing resists the indianaire. Those who we will call the “Indienneurs” will start imitating this fabric. Today, certain houses continue to perpetuate this age-old know-how: Souleiado, Les Indiennes de Nîmes or even Les Olivades. Thanks to their hard work, the indianaire has become an essential symbol of Provence .
A real antidote against gloom: Indian fabric turned Provençal is considered by some as a “real antidote against gloom”. With its bright colors and floral patterns, it brings a touch of cheerfulness and sunshine to our daily lives. Nowadays, indianaire is available in a phenomenal number of diverse and varied forms: tea towel, clothing, reusable makeup remover, bag, etc. This timeless pattern is still on trend and continues to appeal to fans of Provençal decoration.
Indianaire conquers new horizons
Indianaire is not just limited to tablecloths and interior decoration. CALANQUE innovates by offering it in a completely unexpected form: in a swimsuit ! This bold initiative could well make this model a must-have in seaside fashion. Provençal indianaire continues to reinvent itself and conquer new horizons.
Provençal indianaire is much more than just a fabric. It is a cultural heritage, a symbol of conviviality and joie de vivre. Centuries of history and passion have allowed this unique know-how to be perpetuated.