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72 W hen to the s h o c k o f the design industry, the 26–year-old f u r n i t u r e maker Dessin Fournir fi led for bankruptcy in April, the fate of two of its most beloved fabric lines — Rose Cumming Chintz and Classic Cloth — hung in the balance. Lauren Hudson, an interior designer who owns Wells Abbott showrooms in Dallas and Houston, along with Wells Design fi rm in Houston, secured the representation rights to the fabric brands in late 2018. But before the lines could arrive at the showroom, both had also gone belly up as a result BY REBECCA SHERMAN of Dessin Fournir closing. Hudson re- strategized, deciding the best way to save the cherished brands was to purchase them, and a deal was inked in mid- October. The acquisition, which was made by The Wells Companies, includes all inventory, asset rights, and the complete textile design archives for both lines. "I have always had a huge affection for both fabrics, and that was at the root of the idea to buy them," Hudson says. "There's a sense of responsibility and gratitude — it feels very much like when I bought Wells Design, and when we acquired Ellouise Abbott." Hudson has a history of rescuing storied brands. A decade ago, she purchased Wells Design from Jerry Jeanmard, who had taken over the legendary fi rm, founded in the 1950s by Houston designer Herbert Wells. Hudson not only kept the fi rm open, but enlisted Jeanmard as her mentor. She learned the design ropes, opening her own showroom in 2017 DESIGNER AND SHOWROOM OWNER LAUREN HUDSON RESCUES ROSE CUMMING CHINTZ AND CLASSIC CLOTH, BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE STORIED BRANDS. LAUREN HUDSON: PRESERVATIONIST Rose Cumming Chintz Carisbrook Classic Cloth Auvergne stripe