At de Le Cuona we endeavour to push the limit of what is possible through human skill and talent to create exquisitely understated natural fabrics and soft furnishings responsibly crafted from the world’s finest fibres – flax, hemp, cashmere, wool, alpaca, and silk.  

From the most raw to the most refined we like to explore different textures, weights, feels and handles to create a diverse range of textiles for interiors. With a deep commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, we combine the traditional techniques of specialist artisans with the latest technology to create fabric and accessory collections acclaimed for their beauty, tactility, and quality.  

This artisanal approach is taken throughout the production process, from the growing of the crop or husbandry of the animals through the processing of the fibre into yarn, to the weaving and finishing of the cloth. Each step affects the finished fabric, and it is this attention to detail that makes a de Le Cuona fabric different. 100% linen fibres are spun to create yarns with diverse characters, or it is blended with wool or silk to create completely different effects. Whether woven on state-of-the-art dobby, jacquard, velvet looms, or traditional hand looms these specialist yarns are crafted by master weavers. 

The final step is the finishing. It is this step that can transform the handle and drape of a fabric, and it is a step that is often not done with such care by other brands. The team at de Le Cuona work with only the very best finishing mills to ensure that our fabrics and accessories are the very best of their type.

“The dedication and deep commitment of artisans to their craft, whether that be pushing the boundaries of technology or traditional skills is what inspired me so many years ago, and still inspires me today. There is nothing finer than knowing someone has spent their lifetime honing their skills and knowledge to produce something special. Not just that, it is the time it takes them to produce that fabric or artifact that means you treasure it so much more.”

Stonewashed linens are amongst de Le Cuona’s most sought after fabrics. 

This, at the time, innovative approach to finishing all began in India when our founder, Bernie saw craftsmen beating silk cloth to give it softness and sheen. This technique inspired her to bring the same softness to linen. However, when experimenting she discovered that the quality in India was not consistent while also being incredibly time consuming. In Europe, no one was willing to beat the fabric by hand. Faced with this dilemma, Bernie recalled a stonewashing technique more commonly used in the fashion industry, but not then used in the interior textile industry and adapted it to suit her needs. 

Originally invented to wash jeans and give them a faded look, Bernie used a stone washing machine to stonewash her linens, resulting in a ‘new look’ for the industry. Until that point, linen was mainly printed and didn’t have the soft and floppy feel that Bernie had created with this new finishing approach. 

Many have emulated Bernie’s style but de Le Cuona’s stonewashed linens remain amongst the best quality on the market. To achieve a similar effect at a lower cost many companies have taken to applying harsh chemicals to their fabrics, as opposed to washing them with stones. These chemicals have a harsh effect on the environment and people, which is why de Le Cuona has never explored this option. 

Experimenting further, Bernie decided she wanted to achieve a smoother surface whilst retaining the supple handle that stonewashing achieves. So instead of using pumice stones she filled her stonewashing machine with golf balls. Her experiment succeeded; the golf balls gave the linen a softer, slightly burnished surface. This technique is still used for many of de Le Cuona’s slubbier linens. 

Bernie de Le Cuona built her business on designing and sourcing only the best fabrics and transforming them into beautiful accessories.  Today our accessories blend textures, colours, and intricate detailing to create cushions and throws that are distinctively de Le Cuona.  

Skilled craftspeople create inventive designs with real artistry. Each piece is hand crafted from exquisite, understated natural fibres and fabrics. Our skilled team of craftspeople create inventive designs with real artistry using techniques from drawn thread-work and French seam details, to knotted tassels and frayed fringing, or waxed cord and leather embroidery. All our Signature accessories are made by hand in Windsor, England and our Life accessories by specialist artisans from around the world. 

The designs have a timeless luxury and simple modernity that give any space a sense of understated sophistication. 

Founder Bernie de Le Cuona’s penchant for paisley was fired by her journeys to find unique textiles and rare techniques. Full of cultural depth and resonance, paisleys have long been in de Le Cuona collections and are something for which the brand is renowned. Bernie originally discovered artisans making these exquisite textiles while travelling in India over 30 years ago and these signature patterns have been part of the collections ever since.  

A motif traditionally associated with Kashmir shawls and reproduced in the Scottish town, Paisley can be found throughout the world, worn by people of all cultures and used by designers to dress interiors beautifully. In the hands of Bernie de Le Cuona, this iconic pattern is given a new lease of life. 

The creation of a de Le Cuona paisley involves a long and rigorous process that can take up to three years to complete. The design journey begins with a hand drawn sketch by Bernie and her design team, which is then interpreted by skilled weavers, spinners, and dyers. Translating these designs into a woven product is a true labour of love and these ornamental textiles display the highest level of craftsmanship showcasing exquisite intricacy and skill. Up to ten colours of yarn are meticulously combined in each piece and fine counts of wool and cotton or linen and cotton are woven in these extraordinary designs to create cloths with a sumptuously soft handle and fluid drape. It is this pursuit of excellence and uncompromised quality that gives a de Le Cuona paisley a sense of integrity and exclusivity. 

“Paisley is a heritage pattern that is open to endless reimaginations. Our paisley designs show how this classic textile genre can be reinterpreted in strikingly different ways, from the dramatic to the delicate, from the traditional to contemporary.”

Bernie de Le Cuona

Metal Embroidery is an artisanal speciality offered by de Le Cuona’s bespoke team. 

This ancient Indian tradition of metal thread-work has been carried out by hand for centuries, traditionally used in India on silk, brocade, and velvet fabric to create the most beautifully embroidered sari’s, lehnga’s and scarves. Sewn one stitch at a time with a fine metal thread, the embroidery has also traditionally been used on men's blazers, cavalry uniforms, and for royal attire. 

Creating these bespoke pieces is a lengthy and meticulous process, which can take up to 10 weeks. To ensure that every fine detail is matched to perfection, de Le Cuona offers a sample of this metal thread work beforehand to ensure that high standards are being met. 

Our skilled artisans can produce occasional embroidery on cushions, throws, and pillows. Select from a range of beautiful classic metal shades: bronze, gold, antique gold, or silver. All pieces are entirely customisable resulting in a unique piece of art for your home. 

The longevity of this thread work means these beautiful pieces can be passed on from generation to generation becoming a new family heirloom.