Our Story

A Note from Our Founder

Hi! I’m Victoria Fanning, and I think we may have something in common.

I love to read the “about us” section on any business I am interested in too!  I find it so interesting to find out how a company came to be and who is behind the brand.

When I first decided that I wanted to start a business I was so in awe of those who had done it.  I wanted to know all their stories.

Well, this is our story. 

The story of Crown Linen Designs and Arte Italica – the short version. 

With my children grown, I wanted to do something I enjoyed  and that – hopefully- would make a difference in people’s lives.

A friend introduced me to the extraordinary linen produced in Eastern Europe. It was soft, and thick and their embroidery was stunning. I just loved the pieces they created and thought others might too.  

A few months later I travelled to Ukraine and placed orders with several artisans for beautiful napkins, table squares, towels and other pieces

They were a huge hit in my local community.  So, in early 2015, Crown Linen Designs went to our first trade show and received orders from boutiques all across the country.

But now I needed help – and some amazing friends came to the rescue. 

We knew next to nothing about running a business - but there was absolutely nothing we couldn’t figure out. 

Our office was a tiny home in Kirkland, WA where my Mom had once lived - and who had always encouraged me to chase my dreams.  I tried to imagine what she would say at the sight of these “Middle Age Moms” creating a business out of thin air.

Once we added beautiful apparel pieces our growth exploded.  By 2018, we were selling to over 1,000 stores across the country.

Many of these store owners became our good friends!  We did everything possible to take great care of them.  Once again, friends taking care of friends.

We cared about every detail.  Our shipments were always wrapped with tissue and ribbon and we always included a free gift.  We wanted customers to feel like they were receiving a present from a good friend.

As we grew, we also became good friends with the team at Arte Italica.  I had loved “Arte” since purchasing my first piece 25 years ago.  We often paired our table linens with Arte Italica pieces in our catalogs. 

I so admired what Ann Skidmore created in Arte Italica.  It truly is Italian Art.  

Sadly, I never had a chance to meet Ann but I became very close with the exceptional team she had built.  We all shared the same love for beauty, quality and service.

In 2020, we began a partnership with Arte Italica, offering pieces that paired with their most popular lines. 

Customers loved how easy it was to create that special look for almost any occasion.  It was a perfect marriage.

So perfect, in fact, that on January 1, 2022 our two companies became one!

Together we offer a classic lifestyle brand with pieces that are distinctive, elegant and timeless.

We’ve come a long way since my Mom’s little house.

But what hasn’t changed is that I feel so blessed,

To have so many friends join along on this adventure.

To have made so many new friends along the way.

To have so many customers who place their trust in us.

We are keenly aware of the fact that our pieces are going to be part of special events and celebrations for years to come. 

They will be part of those moments that create lifetime memories.

It is an honor really -  and a responsibility we take very seriously.

We want every detail to be perfect. 

Every look and feel to be perfect.  Every memory perfect.

Because that’s how friends treat one another. Hoping you will become our friend too! Thanks for reading our story.