Design Dialogues: Christopher Lane Roy on Blending Tradition with Innovation

 

“You had me at Fortuny,” says interior designer Christopher Lane Roy, reflecting on his partnership with The Wren. As one of the few authorized Fortuny dealers in Charleston, The Wren offers rare access to a textile legacy that has shaped design history for over a century, an opportunity Christopher calls a game-changer.

“In Charleston, finding authentic Fortuny is nearly impossible,” he explains. “Having access to these materials through Lori and The Wren has elevated my practice in ways I didn’t anticipate.”

 

 

Founded in Venice in 1907, Fortuny is revered for its hand-dyed, light-infused textiles that marry old-world techniques with modern durability. Their fabrics carry a certain reverence that is rich in texture and unmistakably timeless. Christopher threads these pieces through his interiors like artifacts through wall coverings, upholstery, and even custom lampshades.

“Even a little dose is nice,” he adds with a smile. “But the more the better.”

 

 

Splitting his time between California and Charleston, Christopher is drawn to the tension between the historic and the new. “Charleston has this rare sense of continuity,” he reflects. “It’s not frozen in time, it’s alive, constantly evolving while holding onto its roots. That balance deeply informs how I design.”

It’s a philosophy that mirrors our own at The Wren, honoring heritage while designing for what’s next. Working with artists and collaborators like Christopher allows us to do just that—pairing materials with meaning, and tradition with reinvention.

 

 

Together, we’re exploring not just how things look, but how they carry stories, legacies, and the marks of craft. Our partnership with Christopher is only just beginning, but it already speaks to something deeper: a shared belief that good design lasts, and great design lives on.

Stay tuned for more of this budding collaboration between The Wren and Christopher Lane Roy as we continue to explore the delicate balance of tradition and innovation in design.