Step Into the World of John Derian: Introducing the Le Paravent Chinois Totes
Since 1989, John Derian has been turning antique printed ephemera into everyday objects of quiet beauty. His signature decoupage work—using 18th- and 19th-century imagery to create glass plates, trays, and home décor—has earned him a devoted global following. In his New York City studio, John and a small team of artisans craft each piece by hand, preserving a tradition of thoughtful, tactile design.
If you’ve ever wandered down Second Street in Manhattan’s East Village, you may have stumbled upon his trio of shops—The John Derian Company, John Derian Furniture, and John Derian Dry Goods. For over 30 years, these storefronts have been beloved neighborhood fixtures and a testament to John’s layered, whimsical, and unmistakable aesthetic.
So when John invited us into his world for a special collaboration, we were thrilled—and honored.
An 18th-Century Print Meets a Modern Canvas
Our new collaboration —Le Paravent Chinois Day Tote and Le Paravent Chinois Weekend Tote—features a fabric with a story. Drawn from John’s wallpaper and fabric collection, produced by the renowned French textile house Maison Pierre Frey. The design is a reproduction of an 18th-century chinoiserie wallpaper panel—once called “Pekins”—featuring painterly florals and hand-drawn details that once adorned the walls of worldly European homes.
Maison Pierre Frey, known for honoring the spirit of historic textiles, revived this pattern in its original colorway. The result is a design that feels timeless and transportive—like a secret garden rendered in fabric.
It’s romantic. It’s old-world. And somehow, it feels completely modern.
Three Bags, One Spirit
The Le Paravent Chinois totes come in three elegant colorways:
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Chantilly Cream
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Prairie Black
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Original Green
A Piece of Art You Can Carry
This collaboration is more than a product release—it’s an invitation into John Derian’s dreamy, storied world. It’s where historical imagery meets functional design, where craftsmanship and storytelling go hand in hand.
And it’s a reminder that the things we carry can reflect the things we value: beauty, quality, and a bit of wonder.
Now Available (While They Last)
The Le Paravent Chinois Day Tote and Le Paravent Chinois Weekend Tote are available in limited quantities.
[Orders will be fulfilled by The John Derian Company.]










Special Thanks | John Derian
Video Director | Marina Elise @marinaelisee
Photographer | Dan McMahon @imageheavy
Location | John Derian Company and studio
Creative Direction | David Mullen @SKU