Exclusive Interview — Lilli Elias of Autumn Sonata
textile notes from the founder
A new season, a new print.
We’re delighted to welcome ‘Katerina’ by Autumn Sonata to Tessuti — an ancient and considered design now available across tablecloths and napkins. To mark its arrival, we spoke with the textile brand’s founder Lilli Elias about her creative world, the inspirations behind Autumn Sonata, and the art of bringing everyday beauty to the table...
We wanted to begin by discussing your background as a textile design archivist, as we feel this research offers insight into the narratives woven into Autumn Sonata's prints. Could you tell us about this experience and what led you to this study?
I entered a master’s program for archival studies with the intention of continuing my music studies and becoming a music archivist. However, I became obsessed with antique textiles during my internships and post-graduate work. This led me to starting Autumn Sonata as a means of rediscovering and pluralizing some of the prints and patterns I came across during my research. In many instances they would otherwise disintegrate and never be recovered. Autumn Sonata allows me to bring these patterns back to life and extend their lifespan.
What geographical locations or textile eras are you most drawn to and what about these antique prints resonates with you?
I am particularly drawn to the conversation between Japan, India and Europe during the 14th to 16th century. I love the muted yet vivid colour schemes, (often) floral subjects and decentralised narratives.
Do you have any early memories of textiles, maybe from your childhood home, that have influenced your design trajectory?
I’ve been a collector of antique fabrics since middle school. I’ve always been particularly drawn to mixing prints – there is absolute perfection in collage!
At Tessuti we are led by seasonal references, and I am intrigued by the word Autumn in your brand name—a transitional season—and how it relates to the following Sonata —meaning a song or musical composition. Can you tell us about the meanings in the name, Autumn Sonata?
Autumn Sonata is borrowed from a Bergman film of the same name (translated to English). Although I love Bergman films, the film itself has nothing to do with the brand. However, I’ve always loved the name and thought that it evoked the feeling I was looking to capture. It also pays homage to my musical background, which led me down this path.
We admire the way Autumn Sonata textiles warm a room with gentle earthy colours and interesting prints. How do you like your own home to feel? What textures or palette are important for you to have around day-to-day?
I love the composition of one’s home, especially creating vignettes where prints and patterns, textures, old and new can interplay. My home is a host of small antiques I find during my travels, layering of new and old textiles and always flowers!
As someone who champions craft and history, what have been some of your most memorable travelling experiences seeking out spaces or objects?
Whenever I travel, I seek out antique markets and historical houses. Some of my favourite markets are in the Netherlands, Japan and Paris.
