Malcolm James Kutner attributes his addiction to luxury linens to his late grandmothers. The Manhattan- and Austin, Texas-based interior designer has carried on their obsession by continuing to collect fine Italian linens throughout his adult life. “My grandmothers passed down their love of a well-dressed bed, along with their collection of heirloom linens, to my sister, Kate, and me,” Kutner says. “Seeing the stacks of sheets and shams brings back happy childhood memories of growing up in Houston and crawling into the softest, coolest bedding.”
Gaia Leonori Pratesi’s new online atelier, Verderoccia, has only encouraged Kutner’s fine-linen addiction. The label honors the century-old Italian weaving tradition of her husband Federico’s family. Here, the designer deems Verderoccia’s Dede Sheet Set an instant heirloom and shares how he’s passing down his grandmothers’ love for linens.
DEDE DEDE Sheet Set - White / Sage with a touch of Light Grey
DEDE DEDE Sheet Set - White / Sage with a touch of Light Grey
What gives the Dede Sheet Set staying power?
“Verderoccia’s products are made in the same factories, on the same old-world looms, and overseen by today’s generation of makers who weave the gold standard of bed and bath linens,” says Kutner. Carefully crafted by Verderoccia’s Italian artisans, each custom-made set features delicate embroidery adorning percale linens, woven from light Egyptian cotton for a soft and cool finish.
How are you sharing your grandmothers’ linen obsession with the next generation?
“After reviewing the new collection, I immediately customized the Dede pattern as a gift for my 3-year-old niece’s first bed. It’s a fitting future heirloom because the pattern is a fresh, updated take on the chain design I slept on as a child,” says Kutner. “This pattern was also named after Federico’s beloved mother, Dede, which holds special sentiment.”
How would you incorporate one of Verderoccia’s pieces into your own bedroom?
“I love pairing the Dede linens with the Campo di Fiore Matelassé Blanket Cover for the top of the bed. From its color and hand to its design and texture, this is as classic and timeless as it gets in my opinion,” the designer says.
Rachael Burrow is the Style Director at VERANDA, covering the latest design and market trends, from jewelry to fashion, tabletop to furnishings, and everything in between.
