Meet the Showroom: Fox Linton
Collaboration and creativity are encouraged in the Fox Linton showroom
Fox Linton’s showroom in Design Centre East is a place of many stories. Fox Linton itself is the quintessentially British brand, famed for natural materials of the finest quality, and the epitome of quiet luxury; but it shares the space with its parent company, Jim Thompson, which was founded in Thailand in 1950 to revitalise the country’s flagging silk industry, and now runs 1,100 acres of silk farms. No 9 Thompson, meanwhile, is Jim Thompson’s “dynamic younger sibling”, with a renowned British designer, Richard Smith, as its creative director. Smith’s own label, Madeaux, and Jerry Pair Leather are also represented in the showroom. So, how do these brands come together in the showroom to weave their own compelling narrative? UK commercial director Sofia Sacarello explains more.
What brought Fox Linton to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour?
Fox Linton is very happy to be back in the Design Centre after a three-year hiatus. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be back and more grateful for the welcome we have received.
What should we expect from the showroom?
We aim to be a warm and inclusive space where collaboration and creativity are celebrated. We have space for client meetings and our team are always on hand to help in any way we can; be it with a cup of coffee and a place to sit or helping to prepare for an important meeting.
Why should people visit in person as opposed to looking/buying online?
When dealing with beautiful fabrics and wallcoverings it is impossible to portray the feel and hand of a product via a photograph or a website, so we always encourage our clients to come in and see us in person. Another advantage of coming into the showroom is that our expert team can assist you in finding what you need more quickly and precisely, as the choice can get overwhelming!
Are there different design philosophies for each brand?
Fox Linton [pictured above] is all about integrity and quality; we let the beauty of the natural product speak for itself, while Jim Thompson [pictured below] is all about the artistry and the deep understanding of the product, which is often hand made by third and fourth generation artisans. No 9 Thompson focuses on wonderful colourwork and a painterly palette to bring creative director Richard Smith’s vision to life.
Is there a ‘hero’ product that encapsulates your brand, or that’s been a long-standing bestseller?
For Fox Linton our hero product is undoubtedly our silk wool. We were pioneers in creating this yarn combination and close to 20 years after it first launched it is still cutting edge yet timeless in its understated luxury and quality.
Are there broad trends in your sector of the design industry that you’re embracing?
Colour! We have adored the explosion of colour that we have seen not only across our public spaces and places of leisure but in our own homes. It seems everyone is embracing a more colourful way of living and we are here for it!
What can we expect from the latest collections?
Across our three brands we have really different focuses. Fox Linton continues to focus around texture and tone-on-tone beauty; Jim Thompson is all about celebrating colour and bringing luxury into an interior; and Number 9 [pictured above] is all about that beautiful, painterly palette and a touch of British humour.
What craftsmanship or innovation goes into your products?
We have our very own Jim Thompson farm in Thailand where we harvest the silk yarn needed for our silks, and our own mill with our amazing artisans who bring their expertise and experience to their art form.
Is there anything else you’d like the Design Centre’s community know about your brand?
Yes! We have our own three brands which are so very different from each other, but we also have huge capabilities to develop and make bespoke products if this is ever needed.
