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From Home Furnishing Business
Polywood Partners with Designer Shayla Copas for Sustainable Outdoor Fabric Collection
September 16,
2020 by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
Polywood, designer and manufacturer of American-made sustainable outdoor furnishings, has collaborated with designer and author Shayla Copas to create the Shayla Copas Fabric Collection by Polywood. The artistry and aesthetic of this well-recognized designer will be reflected in 17 original textile designs. The collection launches this fall to specialty retailers and will be available to the design trade and online in Spring 2021.
The Shayla Copas Fabric Collection will debut in 22” decorative pillows and will later be expanded to additional Polywood decorative pillows and furnishing cushions.
“From the very beginning, we saw the partnership between Polywood and Shayla Copas as an opportunity to draw upon each other’s strengths and create a unique and durable collection to accessorize our furnishings,” said Megan Pierson, SVP, business development, Polywood. “With Polywood’s mission of sustainability, we were able to bring Shayla’s original design concepts to life through our partnership with Revolution and their fabrics’ performance characteristics. We’re excited to share our results with retailers and design professionals.”
In keeping with Polywood’s earth-friendly mission, the Revolution Performance Fabrics are free of PFC chemicals and VOCs. 17 different fabrics are included in the Shayla Copas Collection across four colorways. A selection of patterns in Coral, Pistachio, Spearmint, and Cobalt was created by Copas, as well as complementary solids.
“My collection of textile designs was primarily inspired by nature, color, and entertaining. My love of travel will also be noticed in the safari print and in a few other surprising patterns,” said Copas. “I love pattern and am not afraid to use it. I also like a classic feel in my designs. For that reason, I was able to keep this collection classic, yet have a fresh vibe.”
The Little Rock, Arkansas-based designer recognized that a collaboration with Polywood was a fit for her brand. Shayla also saw this collection as an opportunity to grow a partnership that began with her as brand ambassador for the company.
“Polywood is such a leader in outdoor design and in sustainability,” said Copas. “They approached me to visit the factory a few years back and I fell in love with the product, the company, and their people. After the visit, I was asked to be a brand ambassador. Subsequently, they approached me about a fabric collection. They saw my love for color and pattern as a great addition to their fabric offerings.”
The collection and its environmentally friendly components are being highlighted as another addition to the manufacturer’s ongoing sustainability initiatives for 2020. These include the introduction of its Wave Collection and the Ocean Chair as well as Polywood’s commitment to the reclaiming and recycling of one million pounds of ocean-bound plastics.