About Us
Annick Le Roy
I am really excited to present the Maison Le Roy linen collection worldwide and most recently, in Japan. Having worked in textile and interior design for decades, I have used every kind of fabric. Nature, tradition, and making high quality products has always been my inspiration.
Growing up in Normandy, armoires and dressers full of linen were part of every household. Bedding, tableware and curtains were handed down for generations. Linen is a large part of history, tradition, craftsmanship and my childhood memories. For me, linen is the fabric of history as well as the future...
After I graduated from the prestigious ESMOD Fashion Design School in Paris, I moved to London and lived there for more than 20 years. I worked closely with private and corporate customers and interior designers desiring high quality fabrics.
It’s no wonder I have been passionate about working with pure linen made in France.
To offer an exceptional collection, I have searched for the best French manufacturers for discerning customers who only desire the best quality linen. I am sure you will be delighted with our product range on offer. Our versitily collection is sure to impress.
Linen is my luxurious ‘Queen of fabrics’.
Philosophy
Experience the luxury of linen from France with Maison Le Roy - where craftsmanship meets exclusivity.
We offer only the best French linen products, all based on our extensive knowledge of the history and properties of this high-quality fabric.
We believe that linen is not just a fabric, but a reflection of one's personal style and values. We trust you can fully express your creativity and sophistication through our heritage products, while also being socially and environmentally responsible.
Our passion for the finest fabrics is evident in everything we do, from the products we offer to the customer service we provide.
Experience the exclusivity and beauty of French linen from a company that truly cares.
Normandy
The long tradition of linen production and manufacture goes back centuries. Normandy is known for producing the highest quality flax for fibre, and our linen products are no exception. Despite intense competition from Asia, France remains the world leader in linen production, with Normandy delivering ca. 55% of flax fibres world wide.
In June, the delicate lilac-blue flowers colour the countryside fields as the linen plant blooms. The flowers, lasting only a day, are attached to tall stems that contain the linen fiber. During summer the blue flax fiels dazzle the eye. But the experienced linen farmers patiently leave stems to strengthen and grow taller, because they know the longest stems yield the best linen fibers.
Only then the plants are cut, the stems laid in rows across the field to dry. Rolled and gathered into great hay-like bales, the dry linen plants are transported to a nearby factory for processing.
In Maucomble, where I live amongst the linen fields, I get to experience this magical cycle every year. It's such an inspiration and it's my greatest wish to preserve this exceptional environment for generations to come. Therefore the sustainability of linen is also essential to me.
Tradition
As a historic center of excellence for linen production, it is not surprising that Normandy also became known for linen fabric and hand workmanship.
Initially linen was used as an everyday fabric for clothing, bedding, table linen and other household items. Because linen is so very strong, old fabric was often embroidered or made into other products. Initially the natural colours were dominant. But as queens and royals began to favour linen, vibrant colours became fashionable too.
Growing up in Normandy, armoires and dressers full of linen were part of every household.
Time-worn and loved, even patched and mended pieces are treasured and larger pieces can be creatively transformed into drapes, furnishing covers, cushions, tablecloths and napkins, bringing a little bit of history into our everyday lives. It’s no wonder I have been passionate about working with pure linen made in France.
Innovation
At Maison Le Roy, we are proud to celebrate the rich tradition of linen making in France.
As in every industry, the process of linen making has been highly innovated. The state of the art new techniques for the cultivation of flax seeds, harvest machinery, combing, spinning, dyeing and weaving are rooted in ancient knowledge developed by the French.
Not only linen fabric production is innovated, also the use of the strong linen fibres replacing plastic (e.g. cups, bags, straws), significally reduces the plastic waste in the environment. The use of linseeds has expanded not only to healthy food, but also throughout the beauty industry. We are excited about all new idea’s using our cherished flax plant that seem to sprout everywhere.
Our scope on innovation ensures that our linen collection is made to the highest quality standards, which results in its superior softness, versatility and durability.
Sustainability
Linen is both an economic and eco-friendly crop. Little goes to waste and all parts of the plant are used. It uses considerably fewer resources than cotton (such as water, energy, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers). Flax can grow in poor soil which is not used for food production. In some cases, it can even rehabilitate polluted soil.
After harvesting the linseeds are collected and either used for growing new flax the next year, consuming or pressing into the omega 3 rich linseed oil. Leftovers are used in chicken food. After selecting the best flax for producing linen fabric, the lower quality fibres are used as a base for making other raw materials. It’s even added to making money bills due to the durability of the fibres.
Linen is naturally biodegradable. This means there's less waste and it does less damage to ecosystems. Linen fabric is extremely strong, the look and feel of old linen is one of the most charming aspects. In our opinion – as with the wine, French linen gets even better with age.