I have always justified my preference for fine bed linens by considering the percentage of ones life spent between them.
And though I have never slept on D. Porthaults sheets, they remain on my list of wanna-trys. And who wouldnt want to luxuriate on fine, hand-finished sheets that start at around $1100 for a king set with two shams?
Celebrities, royalty and business barons happily shell out $4600 for a king set of D. Porthaults colorful silky sheets or even more for the cherished Trousseau Lace set. The Porthault line doesnt end in the boudoir or bedroom, either. Jackie Kennedy loved their linens and treasured their tablecloths and napkins (pictured at right).
Though not well-known outside the carriage trade, Porthault linens have been crafted in France since the mid-1930s. Late last year and as reported by Business Week Online, Porthault was acquired by Brazos Europe, a private equity firm based in Washington DC. These former associates of Texas zillionnaire Robert M. Bass have stepped out of the oil and land focus and have moved their sights to the luxury market, with major emphasis on all things French.
Two Brazos principals, Bernard J. Carl and Shannon Fairbanks, are reported to be spending around $25 million to acquire and grow this top-shelf linen crafter and intend to acquire other French artisanal firms as well. The reason for the luxury buying binge has much to do with the globally expanding market for luxurious goods and a global love of Euro luxury.
Finally, it may surprise some that Porthault bottom sheets, in the European tradition, are flat. No fitted sheets yet.
I haven’t experienced Porthault sheets yet, but it was interesting to note that they do not have fitted sheets. I wonder if they have king pillowcases? I have run across a couple of European lines that only have standard and euro size.
Jay: I spoke with one of Porthault’s sales representatives in Dallas and she said there is a local tailor who turns the flat sheets into fitted ones. As for king cases, I believe they are available with Porthault.
I have bookmarked your lovely site for future reference!
Jason,
Thank you for the information and the compliment on the site..it is very new and we have a long ways to go yet.
Perhaps with new owners they may produce fitted sheets themselves.
I spend some nights in the sofitel where they use D.Porthault sheets. I just loved them. My search for the sheets have begun. Discovered that Sofitel has a website through which they sell the percal sheets (as I couldn’t find a website from Porthault yet),
Best,
Desiree from the Netherlands
http://eu.soboutique-hotelsathome.com/EN/mybed.asp?subcategory=beditems&Cols=1&Recs=20&Sort=Sku&Start=0
Desiree:
D. Porthault bed sheets and linens are available at their Dallas and New York stores–and may be ordered via telephone (I think).
Thanks for stopping by–and let us know how your search goes!
The reason the sheet sets are sold with flat bottom sheets is due to the variation of mattress depths. Once the client provides their mattress dimensions, we then have the bottom sheet fitted with elastic per their specifications. Consider it couture for the home. Of course, special orders will arrive from France with the bottom sheet already fitted if requested by the client.
Rose:
Thanks so much for clarifying the D. Porthault options with flat sheets. What you say makes a great deal of sense for the couture bedroom.
In light of what you say, I think it is time to revisit D. Porthault linens and luxury home furnishings on this blog.
were can I purchase towels and sheets from D.Porthault
I live in Vancouver Canada.Have tried the website but not working
please reply I am frustated Ellen