Fulton Market Design Days 2026 was one for the books! In true Windy City fashion, Chicago delivered sunshine, rain, and dramatic skies throughout the week. Fortunately for Design Days attendees, most of the weather rolled in after hours, allowing the celebration of design to take center stage.
Located in the heart of Fulton Market, Design Days brings together a curated collection of brands, designers, and artists who are pushing the boundaries of design and shaping the future of the contract furnishings industry.
Brentano was proud to participate in Fulton Market Design Days once again, marking its first year in the Beaudega just outside the Welcome Center. With nostalgia and storytelling at the heart of this year’s presentation, Brentano transported visitors to a retro-inspired escape during its three-day showcase in Chicago’s design district.
Attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of Brentano’s upcoming Fall 2026 collection, Storyteller. Inspired by the power of narrative, Storyteller uses textiles as its medium, with each pattern thoughtfully designed to bring meaning and depth to interior spaces. Rich textures create layers of comfort, while expressive patterns spark curiosity, movement, and discovery.
Among the featured introductions was Nook, a new indoor/outdoor texture crafted from novelty slub and bouclé yarns. This chunky, tactile fabric effortlessly blends style and performance. Blurb, a contract upholstery with geometric flair, draws inspiration from a honeycomb structure designed to capture attention much like the words on a page. Its glitch-like pattern and layered six-color tapestry warp create striking visual depth.
One of the highlights of the show was designer Abraham Buddish, who shared his personal loom with attendees while demonstrating the craftsmanship behind Gazette, Brentano’s new indoor/outdoor chevron. The pattern brings warmth, character, and a handcrafted spirit to any setting.
The retro experience extended throughout the space. Light-filtering indoor/outdoor drapery Wind Chime framed the installation, while a Lenis covered sofa in the vibrant Roasted Carrot colorway delivered unmistakable 1970s vibes. Mood rings and nostalgic candy completed the immersive experience, inviting guests to embrace the playful spirit of the era.
A standout favorite among visitors was Fable. Designed by the Brentano Design Studio, Fable is a woven tapestry upholstery that tells a story you can live in. Animals and flora intertwine within an imaginative landscape brought to life through a combination of chain and straight-stitch embroidery. Whimsical creatures and exaggerated forms reveal themselves through layers of texture, creating a fabric rich with artistry, character, and narrative.
As Fulton Market Design Days came to a close, Brentano left attendees with a glimpse into the next chapter of textile design, one where craftsmanship, performance, and storytelling work hand in hand. From immersive experiences and nostalgic moments to innovative constructions and richly layered patterns, Storyteller proved that textiles have the power to connect people, spark imagination, and transform spaces. We are grateful to everyone who stopped by the Beaudega and look forward to sharing the full Storyteller collection later this year.
