Q&A with Camira

Ahead of Clerkenwell Design Week, we sat down with Lynn Kingdon, Camira's Head of Marketing for a quick-fire Q&A exploring the story behind Monochrome Sett and our longstanding partnership with this pioneering textiles brand.

What drew Camira to collaborate with Isomi on the Tejo lounge? The term “like-minded” springs to mind—both in principle and aesthetic. The Tejo lounge embodies good design: visually striking, crafted from sustainable raw materials, and designed with circularity in mind. These values align perfectly with Camira’s mission to embed sustainability into every new collection, making it an integral part of our design development process.

Can you tell us more about the Monochrome collection—what inspired it, and what makes it unique? Monochrome Sett is a carefully curated collection of mini patterns, characterised by a stylish monochromatic colour palette, which is colour woven from a blend of pure new wool and renewable flax. Inspired by catwalk designs and tailoring, Monochrome Sett embraces the timeless elegance and sophistication of colour restraint. With 12 contemporary patterns in two monochromatic colours, the collection offers 24 unique design options, ranging from pinstripes to checks, and houndstooth to tweeds. Certified to the EU Ecolabel and Indoor Advantage Gold, this fabric is ideal for hospitality, residential and workplace settings, for upholstery, panels, and curtains.

Camira is known for its commitment to sustainability—how does the Monochrome collection align with that ethos? The Monochrome Sett collection is a perfect reflection of Camira’s sustainability ethos. It’s crafted from a blend of rapidly renewable wool and flax, both of which are natural fibres. Camira has long been a pioneer in using bast fibres, such as nettle, hemp and flax. Flax, used in Monochrome Sett, is strong, flexible, and elastic—ideal for creating durable, high-performance fabrics. Flax itself has deep historical roots as one of the oldest cultivated plants used for textiles, offering a resilient, silky fibre that is both beautiful and functional. What sets Monochrome Sett apart is its natural flame retardancy, meeting Medium Hazard (Crib 5) standard without any added chemicals. This is due to the unique properties of the wool and bast fibre blend, which forms a strong char when exposed to flame, creating a natural barrier.

Camira is proudly based in the North of England, a region with a rich textile heritage. How does that history influence your work today? Being based in the North of England deeply shapes who we are at Camira. This region is steeped in textile history—once the heart of the Industrial Revolution and home to generations of skilled weavers, spinners, and innovators. That legacy is woven into everything we do, from our craftsmanship to our commitment to quality and sustainability. We’re incredibly proud to carry on that tradition, blending time-honoured techniques with cutting-edge innovation to create fabrics that are both beautiful and responsible. In many ways, the heritage of Northern England isn’t just our backdrop—it’s our foundation. It’s what drives our passion for textiles and fuels our ongoing mission to lead with integrity, creativity, and respect for both people and the planet.

What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing textile manufacturers in the UK? UK textile manufacturers are facing several major challenges, including rising energy and raw material costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. There’s also a shortage of skilled workers - All of this is happening against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, making it a tough time for the textile industry. However, these challenges are also driving significant transformation within the sector. The industry is increasingly adopting new technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative design solutions to meet changing demands. By embracing these opportunities, UK textile manufacturers are not only overcoming obstacles but also positioning themselves for a more resilient, forward-thinking, and sustainable future.