FAQs
We produce exclusive limited edition textiles; working with renowned contemporary artists and artisanal makers to create timeless fabrics.
Our collection is comprised of a selection of limited edition by-the-meter fabrics suitable for home furnishing, accessories and wearables, each complemented by a limited edition textile readymade piece.
PRODUCTION
The first fabrics in our collection are all screen-printed using pigment dyes to ensure beautiful and lasting textiles. The process is time consuming and requires specialist knowledge in interpreting the original artwork into separate silkscreens; however, this extra work compared to the ease of digital printing pays off with the beautiful quality of how the fabric feels and ages.
In the future we intend to add non-printed textiles to our collection such as woven and utilising modern technologies such as laser cutting, so watch this space!
We source our natural fabrics directly from European suppliers, as well as through our printing partner who, like us, strives to maintain traceable and ethical supply chains.
For example our linen is woven in one of the oldest mills in Flanders, Belgium, which has operated since 1864. From field to fibre, from yarn to fabric, the making of their linen is a story of passion and craftsmanship. The region’s rich soil and mild North Sea climate, where sun and rain alternate, is ideal for growing a fibre that is known worldwide for its quality.
Our cotton is spun and woven in Pakistan and supplied by a UK mill, which maintains ethical working standards along the supply chain and ensures the high quality finish of the fabric.
With the Belgian flax (used to weave our linen) grown and harvested from the fields surrounding the mill and the company’s zero waste commitment and carbon neutral classification, the minimal ecological footprint of the production process means linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics available. Flax grows quickly and naturally, taking just one hundred days from sowing to harvest and it doesn’t need to be watered, fertilised or sprayed. Our supplier works with so called dew retting of the stems, a process whereby the fibres are extracted naturally, without adding water.
Our England based printing partner follows the strict requirements regarding the use of chemical and water treatment that apply across Europe. Pigment printing is widely accepted to be the most ecologically friendly and sustainable method of printing textiles. With regard to silk screen printing, pigments are preferable to dyes because the process requires significantly less water.
Our storage facility is based near our printing partner, which minimises the carbon footprint of transporting our products.
Our readymade pieces are produced in close collaboration with makers within Europe who are all working at the cutting edge of sustainable design and sourcing local materials in keeping with the heritage of their region.
Designed in house by co-founder Sam Watson, our printed matter is produced using recycled paper with content designed to maintain long-lasting relevance and minimise unnecessary waste.
All our readymades are crafted locally whenever possible, with materials sourced from suppliers with traceable and ethical supply chains. We use high quality, natural materials in all aspects of our products to ensure longevity, which also means that they will only grow more beautiful with age.
Belonging to a group of top European linen weaving mills, our linen partner has supplied linen for the Royal Court of Belgium since 2006. We are proudly able to attribute the ‘Belgian Linen’ brand to all our linen products as issued by the Belgian Flax and Linen Association.
Since 2014, our linen supplier has reached the silver level in accordance with the cradle-to-cradle philosophy (C2C) for all of the steps in the process right up until the weaving of the linen.
C2C is a holistic design approach, which aims to close material cycles of different kinds. From the very beginning it is important to think through how the product will be manufactured so that it can be reused and recycled in an optimal way. Every stage of the process is executed as gently as possible in order to minimise the impact on humans and the environment.
PRODUCTS
Our first artist editions are made of either 100% cotton or linen of the highest quality, each offering a range of uses across home furnishing, accessories and clothing.
For example our plain weave cotton 195 is suitable for bags, cushion covers and lined/unlined curtains as well as basic clothing patterns such as shift dresses and cropped trousers (if you want to cut on the bias please take note of the suitability of the pattern’s orientation).
Our heavier weight linen 315 is suitable for accessories and all home furnishings including curtains and upholstery. The rub count is >18,000, meaning it is suitable for general domestic use including everyday use on household furniture.
If you are unsure which fabric to choose then do not hesitate to contact customer service for advice. Alternatively, you can follow us on instagram to see our fabrics’ breadth of uses.
Yes, all our fabrics can be joined side by side, which is particularly necessary with upholstery. In the screen printing process, over-engraving of 1cm of the print is included along each edge to accommodate adequate seam alignment. For horizontal and vertical repeat sizes please refer to the specific details shown with each by the metre fabric.
Each fabric is complemented by a limited edition textile readymade piece created in close dialogue with the artist in response to and using the same fabric.
We produce limited edition runs of each artist’s fabric with 1000 metres available across our range of base cloths, which in relation to the wider textile industry is very small. We want to ensure that there is a productive element of control incorporated in our working relationship with each artist, which we believe is maintained by placing a limit on how much we are able to produce. You will also have the benefit of the artist’s name, artwork title, date and the Saison International word mark printed all along the fabric selvedge, ensuring a certificate of authenticity for all our fabrics. All our readymade products are also made using these limited runs. Although our by the metre fabrics are not numbered per se, once 1000m metres has been sold, it’s gone.
If you love a fabric by one of our artists then it is most likely the case that we will be working with them again to produce a new fabric in the future. Do let us know if you unfortunately missed a particular fabric so we can endeavour to explore future collaborations
All our readymade pieces are limited edition, with the quantities more in keeping with high production value art editions – please see each piece for details. Each readymade piece is numbered and signed by the artist on an accompanying certificate of authenticity.
We are working on developing partnerships with professional craftspeople in convenient locations for those who would like to have our textiles made up into bespoke items, such as curtains and upholstery. Please watch this space.
CARE
Our cotton and linen can be dry cleaned or machine washed at 40 degrees Celsius and above (gentle wash) using mild detergent without bleach to best preserve the colour and cloth. Avoid soaking in water and washing at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius as the colour can fade. Do not spin dry on a vigorous cycle. Drip dry. Be aware that fabrics can shrink by approximately 3-5 percent when washing.
If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact customer service.
ORDERING
Yes, we offer samples of our collection so you can be sure you are ordering the right product. There is an option to purchase samples of both our cotton and linen base cloths on each by the metre product page.
Our minimum order quantity for our by the metre fabrics is 0.5m, with half metre increments thereafter. For smaller quantities please order a sample, which measures 20cm x 22cm.
We accept all major debit/credit cards and payment through Paypal, Bancontact and Sofort.
Once you have selected your local currency just choose which payment option you would like to use at the checkout.
Yes, we offer payment by invoice, just send us a note at mail@saison.international
Due to security reasons, we do not accept credit card payments when orders are placed via customer service.
It is not possible to pay for samples via invoice.
DELIVERY
We deliver within the UK, the EU and the following countries: Switzerland, USA and Canada. We can currently only deliver to other countries on request. Simply select your country from the drop down box on the checkout page; the shipping and handling price will be shown after you enter your order quantity and delivery address.
We offer free shipping of our samples.
We currently do not offer a gift wrapping or gift messaging option, though we’re happy to help brainstorm ways to wrap your Saison International gift. Just send us a note at mail@saison.international
Fabric orders of 2 meters and under as well as our cushion covers will be folded and shipped in a postal bag. Orders above 2 meters will be sent rolled up on a cardboard tube and placed in a cardboard box. Our readymade limited editions each have custom packaging. All orders will be sent via recorded delivery to ensure a safe and timely delivery.
Samples will be sent in an envelope
All by the metre fabric orders of 2m and under and cushion covers are sent with free fully tracked delivery to UK and EU addresses. All limited editions and by the metre fabric orders over 2m are shipped fully insured and tracked with one of the major logistics companies (Parcelforce, DPD, UPS, FedEx). Shipping costs are shown once you enter your shipping address.
The stated shipping prices are the final prices and include the applicable UK sales tax.
After you place your order, items are shipped from our studio in London, UK. Please allow up to 4 weeks for us to process and ship your purchase. Once your order is shipped, we will email you the tracking details.
Please note that our products are available for pre-order during April and May 2021, with delivery in June.
Our samples are available for order now and will be shipped within 5 business days with no tracking.
Yes, you can track your package by using the tracking number you received in your delivery notification. This is emailed to you as soon as your order has been dispatched.
Please note that our samples will not be sent with tracking.
For shipping outside the UK we will charge zero rate VAT. VAT will then be charged at the respective rate through your local customs office (along with any import duties and handling fees). Any import duties which are incurred with an international shipment are the responsibility of the purchaser.
RETURNS & GUARANTEES
Yes, Saison International gives a 100% guarantee for all our creations. Should a qualitative deficiency occur due to a production defect, we will provide an appropriate replacement whenever possible. Please note we operate a 5% production quality tolerance across our product range as per standard industry norms.
Please write to us at mail@saison.international along with photos of the deficiency. We ask that you report any problems within 48 hours of receiving your order
We offer a 14-day, money-back guarantee on our limited edition readymade items (not including cushion covers, which are cut and made per order). If you would like to return your purchase, please make sure it is returned in the complete original packaging and in perfect condition. You will receive a full refund within 14 days. We ask that you arrange and pay for the return shipment to our HQ in London.
All fabric and cushion cover orders are bespoke: fabric is cut to your specifications and cushion covers are made to order therefore we unfortunately cannot accept returns. We advise you to order a sample of the fabric before you place your order.
In the event of a complaint, please send an email with information and attached image to mail@saison.international
PRESS & ENQUIRIES
Please contact Catie van Beuningen at press@saison.international
Have any other questions? Reach us anytime at mail@saison.international and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
