Designs tell stories, some more literally than others. Unika Vaev, an American contract fabric company, created a collection of fabrics based on the Greek epic poem, The Odyssey. Each style  in the appropriately titled Odyssey Collection directly reference’s Homer’s poem. The group of colorful and unique fabrics effectively, albeit abstractly, tell the tale of the Greek hero Odysseus and his long journey home following the fall of Troy.

Odyssey Collection. Manufactured by Unika Vaev.

“Myth, inspired by an eyelet fabric, takes the viewer on a journey of discovery.” The optical effect of the pattern tricks or deceives you “as Odysseus does to many in the epic tale.” The theme of deception is carried on by color names such as ‘big fat lime’ and ‘cook the books black.’ “The beautiful Elysian suggests the field of paradise straight from Homer.” Made with a black wrapped weft yarn originating from New Zealand, Elysian, though a solid pattern, is marked by depth, texture and motion. When Odysseus washes ashore on the island of Calypso, the beautiful nymph compels Odysseus to remain as her lover for seven years. The poem describes the beauty of her island of meadows and flowers and how “even a deathless god who came upon that place would gaze in wonder, heart entranced with pleasure.” Calypso, the fabric, evokes this sense of entrancement. Chain link stripes are woven with a space dyed yarn to create a water-like and rhythmic feel. Beyond its beauty, Calypso is Unika Vaev’s first 100% post consumer polyester product, made completely of recycled water and soda bottles. It will come standard with NanoBlok technology and is MBDC Silver Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM.

Calypso Collection. Manufactured by Unika Vaev.

Cloverleaf Collection. Manufactured by Unika Vaev.

Myth Collection. Manufactured by Unika Vaev.

Cloverleaf is referred to as the “high-profile” member of the Odyssey Collection. The “mid-scale pattern, has a transitional flower-like motif that hints at retro, modern and homespun all at once.” The textured background has the aesthetics of linen marked by a slight bit of luster. The motif, characterized by its rhythmic loops, is a soft suggestion of a flower. Hopefully you will have had a chance to visit Unika Vaev at #NeoCon09 along with other contract fabric companies including Maharam and HBF.