Established in the 1920s by Italian immigrant Franco Scalamandré—who came to New York from Naples, Italy—the illustrious namesake firm imports and creates textiles, wallpapers, trims and furnishings, which from the outset have set a standard of excellence in the industry. Jacqueline Kennedy featured Scalamandré in her celebrated redecoration of the White House, and a dozen US Presidents have lived in interiors the firm has embellished.
Called to the attention of Louis Renzo, the financial services businessman recognized the opportunity to revitalize a heritage firm and acquired Scalamandré from its third-generation owners in 2009. Now merged with Stark, the company maintains superior quality and innovation in textiles and furnishings. Renzo’s sons Chris and Louis, Jr. work as vice presidents, maintaining the firm’s distinguished legacy as explained in our conversation with older brother Chris (above right).
What sparked your father’s interest in acquiring the firm?
He had a business background, and when he learned the founders were selling it, he welcomed the opportunity to purchase a quality heritage company—one he might pass along to his children.
You father had been running an armored-car company. What were implications of taking over an iconic textile firm?
There was a lot to learn about product development and business operation, but talented long-time Scalamandré employees and new industry experts advised us. An unintended consequence was the passion we all developed for this company.
Why has teaming up with your former competitor Stark been such a success?
Combining showrooms and warehouses decreased our overhead, the design studio collaborates with our legacy brands, and we both had connections to European brands. All of which meant that we were offering more products to a larger customer base.
Why is your comprehensive website important?
Clients aren’t shopping in showrooms as frequently, so they need online services that are as close as possible to the showroom visit.
What new areas are prospects for your textiles?
We’re excited to launch our first Hinson collection this fall. We purchased the Hinson brand in 2021, and it brings a whole new transitional and contemporary point of view.
What sparked the recent decision to start custom printing wallpapers in house?
We can develop more, more quickly, enabling us to do custom runs for clients with specific needs and offer luxury products at a better, more competitive price.
How has the firm adjusted to meet “green” concerns?
We buy from mills that are energy efficient, using renewable energy, recycling raw water and materials, and paying fair wages. We don’t ignore environmental concerns to have the lowest price. We sell a product that is intended to last for decades.
What inspired the Jamboree umbrella?
Jamboree is a best seller—a fun and happy print—and seemed like the right choice to bring pops of color to a gray rainy day.
What is the enduring appeal of the iconic leaping zebra print?
For 60 years, it wallpapered Gino’s—one of the city’s most popular restaurants—and it’s been in movies. Our father recognized that it was unique and directed the studio to come out with new colorways, and pushed to have the design be part of the company’s logo. It’s engrained itself into the ethos of the design world.
What is gratifying about working at Scalamandré?
To be part of a company that interacts with so many notable institutions is an honor. Providing fabrics, wallpaper and furnishings to the White House is something to be very proud of.