Disney is highlighting the family-owned business that provides textiles to their domestic theme parks and Disney Cruise Line.
Richloom and Disney
New York-based Richloom has worked with Disney for over 20 years, their first major project with the company being Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. They create custom fabrics and furnishings for spaces like theaters and guest rooms.
An ABC Localish segment (at the bottom of this article) went inside Richloom’s headquarters, where they have been based since the 1990s, talking to COO Michael Saivetz, SVP Lauren Somers Pelusio, and Senior Designer Cameron Blake, who creates many custom designs for Disney.
Though Richloom has been in their current office since the ’90s, they were founded over 70 years ago by Fred Richman, who started the company with just a $5,000 loan.
Saivetz, Fred’s grandson and the current President and COO, said, “It began with my grandfather in 1957. We’ve been in this office since the early 90s. My grandfather worked in this office. My uncle works in this office. I ran around this office as a kid, so it does have meaning.”
Jim Richman, Saivetz’s uncle, is now CEO of Richloom.
Richloom’s Disney projects include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. Richloom created custom pillows in hues of olive, mustard, and acorn, paired with crimson, auburn, and ruby furniture upholstery, creating a warm layered environment inspired by the savanna.
Richloom’s other recent work can be seen at The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, all three Disneyland Resort hotels, and Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class ships. Pictured above is their custom velvet for the Walt Disney Theatre on Disney Cruise Line.
“It’s really great to design for Disney because you’re able to see the characters come to life,” said designer Cameron Blake, who enjoys working with Imagineers to find subtle ways to incorporate “hidden Mickeys” within fabric patterns.
Blake works closely with Carla Schmiedt, Principal Interior Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering.
“It’s amazing how much the textiles actually help us tell the story,” said Schmiedt. “They bring color and patterns to the space, and they really elevate the guest experience.”
Watch the ABC Localish segment:
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The post The Story of the Family Business That Creates Custom Textiles for Disney Hotel Rooms appeared first on WDW News Today.
