Meet the supplier: Marvic Textiles

How long have you worked with Red Carnation Hotels?

15 years.

Tell us about your brand’s journey.

It started in 1945 when my father decided to name the business using his cousin’s name ‘Marie’ combined with his own name ‘Victor’ – hence ‘Marvic’. Although, of course, the brand has evolved since then. In essence, we are really the same brand today as we were when we started; the core product is the same, we are still on the same direction of travel and we have the same brand ethos.

What do you enjoy about working with Red Carnation Hotels?

I know the owners of Red Carnation and admire them very much. There is great brand synergy and shared taste between our two companies. We are tremendously grateful for the support they have shown to Marvic and proud to be featured in their hotels.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Launching a new fabric that the market didn’t know it wanted and seeing it succeed.

What is your greatest fear?

The decline of spinning and dyeing in the industry creating sourcing problems for us. Third generation businesses are going into liquidation and we are losing skills that have been handed down from generation to generation. At Marvic, we try to support creative weavers in particular who make complex luxury fabrics.

Which living person do you most admire?

Elon Musk.

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Disraeli.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Athletes like Mo Farah who push their own boundaries with such determination.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Amazing.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife, Meriel.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Hesitancy and bad jokes!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Building a business.

What is your favourite journey?

By car to the south of France.

What is your greatest regret?

I have never got down to scratch at golf.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Patel Philippe Complications watch.

Where would you like to live?

Right here in Shropshire (from where I am giving this interview).

What is your favourite part of your job?

Meeting new customers.

When and where were you happiest?

In the roaring 80s when I got married.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be a weaving engineer.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My waistline!

What is your motto?

Never give up.