This High Point Market week, the excitement buzzed well beyond the showrooms as designers gathered to explore The Pretty Side of Performance — an inspiring panel discussion hosted by Crypton and Anna Elisabeth. The conversation, led by moderator Allison Grimsley, brought together a powerhouse group of industry voices to discuss how durability and beauty are redefining the future of fabric.
Meet the Panelists
- Reagan Ashby, Product Coordinator for Anna Elisabeth & Greenhouse Fabrics, works closely with mills to bring new textile collections to life for interior designers and upholsterers.
- Grainne Coogan, VP of Design at Crypton, collaborates with Anna Elisabeth to merge high performance with timeless design.
- Ashley Lauren, Interior Designer, Design Director, and Partner at MM Interior Design Group in Greensboro, leads a team of 16 creatives with a passion for blending function and elegance.
- Kim Salmela, A Los Angeles–based furniture and interior designer who brings a modern, creative touch to distinctive textile collections for Crypton.
Together, these experts offered a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind the new Anna Elisabeth Contract Collection, highlighting how beauty, texture, and technology coexist in modern performance fabric design.
Designing Beauty That Performs
As the panel dove in, Reagan and Grainne shared how the collection began — with mood boards, mill visits, and a day of pulling artwork from the archives to find the perfect inspiration. The goal? To create fabrics that would elevate residential spaces while meeting the rigorous performance standards of commercial environments.
“We wanted fabrics that looked decorative enough for a home, but had the durability to thrive in contract spaces,” said Grainne. “This collection is proof that performance can still feel beautiful.”
Balancing aesthetics and function was at the heart of every decision. With Crypton’s 30+ years of performance expertise and Anna Elisabeth’s decorative sensibility, the result is a range that feels soft, livable, and luxuriously versatile.
Where Form Meets Function
The discussion naturally turned to why performance fabrics have become essential in today’s homes and hospitality spaces.
“We’re designers, therapists, and teachers all in one,” Ashley shared with a laugh. “Our clients want beauty that lasts — and performance fabrics have made that possible.”
“When clients pick up a fabric now, they can’t believe its performance,” Kim added. “The hand is soft, the look is refined — there’s no difference anymore between performance and non-performance. So why wouldn’t you choose performance?”
From high-end residential spaces to bustling hospitality projects like Soho House, Kim emphasized how performance textiles make furniture both livable and long-lasting. “Especially in hospitality, performance isn’t optional — it’s essential. But with Crypton, you also get a strong design sensibility. That’s what sets them apart.”
Timeless Design, Modern Color
Reagan shared that one of Anna Elisabeth’s goals was to bring modern, livable color into the collection while keeping patterns timeless.
“Color changes everything,” she said. “It transforms how we perceive pattern and texture. This collection celebrates that balance — it’s classic, but with a contemporary twist.”
The team also discussed how performance fabrics align with sustainability goals — lasting longer, reducing waste, and aging gracefully. As Grainne put it, “A fabric that lasts is inherently sustainable.”
Changing Perceptions, One Touch at a Time
The panel addressed one of the biggest misconceptions about performance fabrics — that they’re stiff or utilitarian.
“That’s no longer the case,” said Grainne. “With Crypton, beauty meets performance — easy to clean with soap and water, yet still soft and stylish for everyday living.”
Seeing — and feeling — is believing. Attendees were encouraged to explore samples and watch live demonstrations of Crypton’s cleanability and stain resistance.
Telling a Story Through Fabric
As the conversation deepened, the designers reflected on how color and pattern tell stories — not only in homes, but in contract, corporate, and hospitality environments.
“People want spaces that feel personal and curated,” said Ashley. “Color and texture help express brand identity. It’s about creating a feeling, not just an aesthetic.”
Kim shared a favorite example: a bold tapestry she designed for a Los Angeles client in the music industry.
“They host events and parties, so I used one of my tapestry fabrics for a massive kitchen banquette. Everyone gravitates there — it feels like a boutique hotel in their own home.”
That story perfectly captured what the collection embodies: livable luxury, artistry, and joy woven into every fiber.
Looking Ahead
As the panel concluded, one thing was clear: the era of choosing between beauty and performance is over. With fabrics this stunning — and this strong — designers can finally have both.
Experience the new Anna Elisabeth Contract Collection with Crypton — where beauty performs.