Moiré is More
The Return of Moiré Silk, a New Favorite Wine Bar and Other Things I'm Obsessing Over
I took a little breather after Design Week (month, let’s be honest) and while on said break, I found myself falling hard for moiré silk.
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, the fabric definitely will. Moiré — also called “watered silk” — is that textile with the shimmering, rippled surface that looks like light moving through shallow water. That elusive shiny-meets-matte, tone-on-tone fabric has been around since the 1600s but became especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for drapery and formalwear. In the 50s it got democratized a bit when Dior and Givenchy started putting it in daywear instead of ballgowns.
The look comes from a process called calendering. The fabric gets dampened, then pressed through high-heat, high-pressure rollers that create the signature wave pattern. The result is stiff, thick, and unusually strong for a silk, which is part of why it’s so well-suited for interiors. Latest proof: the moiré-draped Camera Fissa by studioutte and De Troupe (with textiles by Dedar), presented during Milan Design Week 2026.
It’s time to blow off the dust, because moiré is very much back. And honestly it never should have left.
How to actually use it at home
The most traditional move is curtains, and honestly? Still works. But the more interesting plays are elsewhere. Because it’s so sturdy post-calendering, it holds up beautifully as upholstery, like for example a headboard. Upholstered walls in moiré are a full commitment, but if you’ve got the right room, it’s jaw-dropping.
If you want the hit without the full-on project, a folding screen, an upholstered stool, or even used as a backdrop in a photo frame doses do a lot too.
1) Moiré used as wall covering in this bedroom project by Namu Bureau 2) Amoir Fou by Dedar 3) Aria Moiré in the color Cashmere by Schumacher, used as a photo frame background
Where to shop
Schumacher is the obvious starting point. Their Incomparable Moiré line is approachable and comes in genuinely great colors — from dusty sky blue to deep mineral green. If you want the real silk thing, their Aria Moiré (54% silk) is the move. Pricier, but worth it for the muted, luminous colorways.
Dedar Milano (find their showroom in the D&D Building) is worth a visit for their two moiré collections: Amoir Libre and its matte, fire-retardant sister, Amoir Fou — beautiful across upholstery, drapery, and walls. Mood Fabrics on 37th Street carries moiré at accessible price points.
Moiré is one of those fabrics that photographs beautifully but looks even better in person. Go see it, then tell me you’re not obsessed.
1) Moiré in the color Bright Gold by Arte 2) Folding Screen Mise En Scène by Tanja von Stein 3) Interior by Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva with Moiré Wallpaper by Dedar
See…
Speaking of silky textiles, go see Ana Kraš‘ latest pieces at Emma Scully Gallery. Svila — meaning ‘silk’ in her native Serbian — is her new body of work exploring the material across lamps and tables. Surprising and absolutely worth the trip to the Upper East Side. On view through June 13.
Want…
The last few weeks have been a full-blown celebration of design in all its forms, and I’m keeping the energy going with this Margarita Glass by Milan-based designer Natalia Criado, created in collaboration with fashion brand Taller Marmo. Made in brass, silver-plated, and adorned with silver chains and lapis lazuli beads, it’s a playful nod to Taller Marmo’s signature long fringe-trimmed dresses. Cheers!
Try…
There’s a new wine bar on the block — on 663 Vanderbilt Avenue, to be precise — and from peeking through the charming ruffled curtains, Wallace might just be your next go-to spot for a glass of orange. Robert Spence and Brian Guay (the duo behind Black Mountain Wine House) have created a warm, welcoming space with walnut paneling, a long red marble bar, and the intimate feel of a small European wine bar — which is honestly exactly the vibe I’m after this summer. The backyard with its yellow and white striped umbrellas seals the deal.
Love the idea of using Moiré as a photo mat!! Also Wallace looks so cute - I need to go