When she was young, and growing up with three sisters, her Italian Grandmother taught them all to sew. Claudine Maidique would gather the left over swatches of fabric and make doll clothes. This passion for creating with textiles was carried over to her schooling and her studies in textile design at Cornell.
Claudine originally wanted to be an artist, but her father’s advice to do something that would provide an income led her to textiles and ultimately interior design. She was able to use her artistic skills decorating homes. With fabric left over from various jobs, just like she did as a child, Claudine saved the remnants, not quite sure what she would do with them. “I didn’t want to waste anything and I liked the idea of repurposing.” Believing that pillows can transform a space, Claudine decided to make pillows with the fabric. “When I saw how powerful a pillow could be in transforming a space, I decided to create a new company that just created beautiful pillows. Each pillow is a work of art to me.”
With access to a fantastic and efficient workroom, Claudine set about creating her first line using the luxurious fabrics she had acquired over the years. She also worked to build a relationship with Lillian August, a large local design store. “I would go there for inspiration and they were very supportive when they saw my pillows telling me they would place an order soon. So I never gave up, I knew it was a good fit.” Finally after many visits they placed an order and Claudine had her pillow creations in the flagship showroom.
What makes her pillows unique? Claudine has an eye for combining textures and colors. Working to brand her esthetic, she spends a lot of time in the design phase of each pillow, tapping into the academic approach of good design as well as the intuitive feeling of what looks right. “I’m working to establish my own voice and sensibility through my pillow designs.” Claudine also thinks of a story with each pillow, whether it’s a trip to Morocco or a cruise in the Mediterranean.
As her company expands, she now created each line from various sources of fabrics that speak to her. Whether she is on a trip to Turkey or on a visit to a vintage store, the works to maintain the concept of producing eclectic and one of a kind pillows that coordinate with one another within each collection.
Now with three girls of her own, 7, 9 and 10, she has them immersed in fabrics too. And Claudine keeps them involved in her new business where they learn about color and texture just like she did. “I’m discovering more stories about my Grandmother and her textile background – I think it’s in my family’s DNA.” When you see the beautiful pillow creations, you’ll know she’s right.
Contact: [email protected], www.cmnoir.com Exclusive line only found in the VentureMom Shop.
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