Aug 14, 2008

Melissa Borrell Design introduces Fantasy Shade designs on Eco-Friendly fabric

(Houston) — Fantasy Shades as featured in the SustainAbility: Design for a Better World Exhibit at the Javits Center during the NYIGF August 16-22 are now available on Eco-Friendly fabric. Vela by 3G Mermet is 100% PVC free fabric is an alternative to the industry standard of PVC coated fiberglass. Vela does not emit toxins into the air and has received the GREENGUARD Certification, which recognizes the low VOCs of the fabric and its contribution to improved indoor air quality and health.

Borrell first launched her Fantasy Shades last May, 2007 at the ICFF. These unique window shades create illusory shadows, giving the impression of a fantasy world outside the window. Inspired by a yearning for other places, the Fantasy Shades encourage you to imagine an alternate reality outside of your window by creating a view of cherry blossoms, tree branches or even a city that you miss. This product is also available as a custom design that can be imprinted with an image that fits the needs of the client. They are made of a woven material that screens out harmful UV rays and heat while still allowing natural light into the room.

In the last year, designer Melissa Borrell has gained national and international popularity in design circles and has developed a following of committed and passionate collectors. Borrell has been designing innovative jewelry for over 12 years and in the past three years has added sculptural artwork, wall installations and accessories for the home to her collection.

“My work blurs the distinctions between art and design. In many ways there is no difference for me and I illustrate this by using the same elements and concepts in both my sculptural installations and products,” she said. These products have taken the form of wall coverings, sculpture, textile design, lighting and home accessories, as well as jewelry.

Borrell has created a number of unique home interior products in addition to Fantasy Shades such as Shadow Bulbs as well as large and small scale installation pieces and sculpture. Borrell’s designs cross the lines between sculpture, graphics, fashion and architecture.

A native Houstonian, Borrell has lived on both the East and West coasts. After earning a BA in French Literature and Studio Art at Tufts University and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston she moved to San Francisco. Self-taught as a designer, Melissa opened her studio in the Mission district there in 1999. She sold her jewelry to galleries and museum shops across the country. In 2005, she received an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design and moved back to Houston to establish her company, Melissa Borrell Design, in 2006.

For more information on Melissa Borrell and her designs, please visit www.melissaborrell.com.