Last night assistant editor Amanda Etty and I were treated to a presentation in the history of textiles – some of the finest in the world – by Patrick Frey, chairman of luxury design house Pierre Frey.

Visiting from Paris, Patrick brought with him beautiful fabrics (I’m talking the luxe of the luxe of-the-luxe), a fascinating knowledge (Marie Antoinette loved wildlife and strands of pearls in her fabrics) and undeniable French charm (I once read that if Patrick is ever away from his wife for more than two days, he sends her flowers). He brought textiles – originals! (and replicas) – that once hung in Versailles, were owned by Marie Antoinette, or now hang in the home of Givenchy. He showed us original Toile and Chinoiserie fabrics; funky prints by fashion designer JC de Castelbeck and a statement print by philosopher and peace activists, Marek and Carla Halter. And he brought along his New York-based son Pierre, named of course, after his grandfather and company namesake. Quintessentially French, eclectic, and high quality, Pierre Frey the company (family-owned for 75 years!) boasts four haute brands (Pierre Frey, Braquenie, Fadini Borghi and Boussac) over 30,000 archives (dating back to the 15 ^th century!) and a catalogue of over 7,500 gorgeous fabrics with interesting and playful prints. Needless to say, je suis enchanté e. For more on Patrick Frey, pick up December’s issue of Style at Home