Zena & Rose announce the launch of the new Japonisme collection of soft furnishings and wallpaper.

The Japonisme collection features naturalistic illustrative patterns influenced by Japanese heritage design. The distinctive designs are based on original artwork and include motifs such as swirling water, pine forests, wisteria flowers and bamboo. Perfect for creating a stylish and relaxing home.

Japan had been isolated from the world for 200 years until 1859, after which there was an explosion of Japanese influence on design in the West. In the UK, this fed into the ‘Aesthetic’ movement and in France it was called ‘Japonisme’. The collection references heritage source material of the time, such as the Japanese design magazine Shin Bijutsukai (1902).

The Japonisme collection is available at Zena & Rose’s online shop (https://zenaandrose.com/collections/japonisme).  It is the second collection of a planned series of heritage-influenced pattern designs from Zena & Rose.

Zena & Rose has consciously considered the method of manufacture and materials of the collection. The cushions are handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton, which has been responsibly sourced from suppliers monitored by SEDEX and OKEO-TEX certification. The duck feather inner pads are ethically sourced and made in the UK.

The lampshades and wallpaper are made-to-order in the UK. The digital printing process uses 95% less energy than screen printing and the water-based inks are better for the environment than chemical printing. All left over ink is professionally processed and not going into landfill. 

Joanna Sanderson says, “Research from Renovation Nation in 2020 found that spending more time at home during covid lockdowns resulted in 63% of people stating they wanted to make their home more comfortable. Around 40% admitted they were embarrassed about their home on video calls.” 

Sanderson added “People have become more conscious of their surroundings and have started to make much more of an effort with their design choices. Our mission at Zena & Rose is to help them make it easy to find home products that stand out. The Japonisme collection is aimed at homeowners or renters looking for distinctive artisanal products that are unique in the market.  Our online shop helps them access designer decor in one place.”

Zena & Rose is a surface pattern design studio and boutique home retailer based in London, UK. The brand was launched in 2021 by Joanna Sanderson, because she wanted to follow her passion for pattern and illustration. Prior to this Joanna worked for 10 years in the heritage and museum sector, advising on the conservation of historic buildings. Zena & Rose’s designs are primarily influenced by Joanna's knowledge of 19th and 20th century textile design and decorative arts.

ENDS
 

Joanna Sanderson, Creative Director, Zena & Rose

Joanna Sanderson is the Creative Director and founder of Zena & Rose, a surface pattern design studio which retails its own collections of homeware and licenses designs to other companies. The key products for the company are cushions, lampshades and wallpaper.

Joanna is responsible for every aspect of the product design process, from initial artwork to manufacturing. She is also the main point of contact for online retail consumers and industry buyers, both independent and corporate. A key part of Joanna’s role is to understand interior design trends and consumer needs.

The company’s mission is to highlight interior design heritage, whilst appealing to contemporary taste, resulting in desirable and original products. Zena & Rose’s values are based on environmental sustainability, which is achieved through responsible sourcing.

Zena & Rose also works with carefully selected retail partners such as Not on the High Street, Spoonflower and Contrado.

Joanna worked for 10 years in the museum and heritage sector. Her specialist knowledge of heritage and design are the foundation of her design business.

She has worked as a consultant on numerous projects for prestigious clients such as the V&A Museum, Somerset House, The Royal Parks and English Heritage (Eltham Palace, Belsay Castle, Marble Hill House). Whilst working as a property curator for English Heritage, she was responsible for the conservation of 80 sites across eastern England and advised on major restoration projects.

She was the conservation officer of the War Memorials Trust, providing advice to members of the public and institutions. She was also solely responsible for the Trust’s three grant schemes, part funded by the Wolfson Foundation and English Heritage.

Joanna spent three years at the V&A Museum in the development department, sourcing grants and foundations funds for major projects and collections.

Joanna holds an MA (Oxon) in Ancient and Modern History, an MA in Cultural Industries Management, and an MA in Historic Conservation. For many years she was a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

When not working, Joanna enjoys visiting historic and cultural sites, art exhibitions, travel, and spending time with her family.

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