Capel Rugs celebrated their 100th Anniversary and introduced new rugs to the market at this year’s High Point Market. Among the company’s hits this market were two new Wilton-woven, machine-made Kevin O’ Brien designs—Woodgrain and Leopard. Woodgrain mimics the look of a classic wood grain pattern and is available in three colorways, gold, light grey, and charcoal. The Leopard collection, a nod to an animal print that's still prevalent in interior design, comes in beige and charcoal. Both are popular patterns in Kevin O’ Brien's top-of-bed luxury linen collection. Tresillo, Kevin O'Brien's third introduction at market, is a transitional ombré pattern of shaded colors available in indigo and natural colorways.
“These new Kevin O’ Brien designs really resonated with our buyers,” said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts for Capel Rugs. “They loved the lively colors and distinctive patterning as well as the value pricing.”
The Willamsburg line of “Trend Meets Tradition” designs also did well. The new designs include a flat woven model Palace Fret, and two new hand knots—Isobel and Thompson Ikat. Isobel, a 100% jute design in four colorways based on a floral end paper from the Colonial Williamsburg archives, was particularly well received by retailers, but all three of the new jute designs drew solid support. Thompson Ikat, also in 100% jute, is a hand knotted printed design inspired by the ikat tradition of weaving. Available in three colorways, this new design draws on both Eastern and European interpretations of the ikat technique reflected in the Colonial Williamsburg archives. Palace Fret is a fresh interpretation of a classic Chinese key design that takes its cue from carving on a chair rail molding in the Supper Room of the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg. The reversible design is jacquard woven in India of a cotton-and-jute blend in three colorways.
In addition to these new licensed lines, Capel Rugs also generated solid placements on new designs, including Beckett, a faded, Wilton machine made transitional collection in five patterns and seven colorways; Metropolis, a Wilton woven, distressed design of 100% New Zealand wool in seven transitional and traditional patterns and colorways; and Ankara, a Wilton machine woven 100% polyester collection of four traditional designs in three color ways and one transitional.
Along with an ambitious slate of product introductions, Capel Rugs also generated excitement this market with a party celebrating its 100th anniversary year. Held on Sunday, April 23, the party attracted a large crowd of retailers, designers, and media. The event included an all-American lunch and a champagne toast with comments from founder A. Leon Capel’s sons Leon Jr., Jesse, and Arron Capel. Hosts for the event were Cameron Capel and Mary Clara Capel, director of marketing and administration, Richard Capel, director of manufacturing and Ron Capel, managing director of retail, four members of the current third generation of company leadership.
For more information, visit carpelrugs.com.
