JOHN ROBSHAW

After earning a fine arts degree at Pratt and studied traditional block printing in China, John “I-Caught-the-Asia-Bug” Robshaw journeyed to India to find natural indigo dye for his paintings. Instead, he fell in love with the local artisans fabric-making traditions. The hands-on immediacy and vitality of textiles dyed, printed, woven, stitched, and worn piqued what was to become a lifelong fascination.

John has traveled the world to work alongside artisans and study their traditional printing methods. In India, his signature dynamic look was crafted. “I want all the colors, processes and designs from each culture to blend… In piggybacking these designs and techniques with each other or with my own ideas, what emerges is new and fresh, and yet retains that sense of tradition, of the handmade.

Z: What’s on the top of your holiday wish list this year?

JR: The Indigo Turban Quilt and Shams from our new Fall ’10 Collection!

Z: What’s your favorite holiday indulgence or “guilty pleasure”?

JR: Travel!

Z: What are some things you like to do to your home or apartment to make it feel like the holidays?

JR: I like to light the fireplace at my country home and have friends over who can cook, and we all make spiked cider together.

Z: Are you going anywhere special this holiday season? If so, where?

JR: I’m treating myself to a Nile cruise in Egypt and then I’m going diving in the Philippines.