Cultural Memory Meets Contemporary Design in Berny Bacic’s Striking Textile Collection.

Berny Bacic’s FÖLKE collection comprises nine distinct fabric patterns—Sequin, Spangle, Fablefolk, Mystique, Folkway, Baste, Applique, Folkstone, and Wander—each available in multiple colourways that span from deep burgundies and rich ochres to sophisticated neutrals. Photography: Sian Fay Kerr.

Sydney-based artist and designer Berny Bacic has unveiled a striking new collection of fabrics and wallpapers that transforms time-honoured European traditions into bold contemporary patterns. FÖLKE offers a thoughtful exploration of cultural memory through a distinctly modern lens.

With over 25 years of experience running brand design studio Burrow, Berny has built an impressive portfolio working with major Australian brands. But FÖLKE represents something more personal—a connection to her own heritage that she’s been quietly nurturing alongside her commercial success.

“FÖLKE is my way of honouring the rich textures I grew up around,” explains Berny. “It took time to see their magic, but once I did, I knew I had to bring them into a new modern context.”

The collection draws inspiration from folkloric motifs, traditional embroidery, and hand-stitched details that have been passed down through generations of European craftsmanship. At its foundation lies 100% linen, historically valued in European folk dress and fine textiles for its versatility and cultural significance. Berny transforms this heritage material into a refined canvas for bold patterns and expressive textures.

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What makes FÖLKE particularly compelling is Berny’s sophisticated approach to abstraction. Rather than literal interpretations, she’s created nine distinct patterns—including Sequin, Mystique, Folkway, and Applique—that feel equally familiar and original. The sophisticated colourways span from earthy terracottas and deep burgundies to rich ochres, demonstrating how colour can carry emotional resonance.

The collection’s commercial viability extends beyond fabric into wallpaper, with patterns available in both commercial vinyl and non-woven paper substrates. This dual approach enables comprehensive interior schemes, ranging from upholstery-grade fabrics with Martindale ratings suitable for high-traffic areas to wallpapers that meet commercial fire safety standards.

Sustainability drives FÖLKE’s production philosophy. All fabrics and wallpapers are printed to order in Australia using non-toxic, water-based pigment inks on natural fibre substrates. “We are committed to running a low impact sustainable practice and only print what is needed—there’s no overproduction going on over here,” Berny notes.

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Mystique accent chair render by Sveto Bacic.

Sequin accent chair render by Sveto Bacic.

Currently represented by Elliott Clarke across Australia, Studio Four NYC in the United States, and Y&Co in Canada, the collection is strategically positioned for international market penetration. For designers seeking textiles that honour tradition while pushing creative boundaries, FÖLKE offers exactly that balance.

Rather than chasing fleeting trends, Berny’s approach to drawing from deep cultural wells while creating something unmistakably contemporary feels particularly relevant. FÖLKE doesn’t simply fill spaces—it carries forward stories that connect past and present, transforming walls and furniture into vessels for cultural continuity.

The FÖLKE collection is available through Elliott Clarke showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth.

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[Images courtesy of Berny Bacic. Photography by Sian Fay Kerr. Renders by Sveto Bacic.]