In the heart of Copenhagen, where tradition meets modernity, two visionary women have
transformed an age-old craft into a vibrant expression of contemporary design. Julie Vendal
and Nadia Al Zagir Balling, the dynamic duo behind &Drape, have reimagined the art of
curtain-making, blending their rich family heritage and creative flair to create bespoke
curtains that do more than just dress windows—they shape atmospheres and evoke
emotions.
Founded in 2018, &Drape draws from Julie’s deep-rooted connection to a curtain-making
legacy dating back to the 1960s, and Nadia’s fascination with textiles from her multicultural
upbringing. Together, they curate custom-made curtain collections that enhance the
personal identity and spatial experience of both private homes and professional spaces.
How did you come up with the idea to create &Drape?
Nadia: Working with textiles and curtains was a natural result of our journeys. Julie comes
from a curtain-making family dating back to the 1960s, though she initially never wanted to
work with curtains. I, on the other hand, have a background in design and fashion. The rich
textile cultures from my parents’ homes in Yemen and England fascinated me. We both
worked with lifestyle and design brands in advertising and shared a passion for merging
aesthetic and innovation with tradition. That’s how &Drape was born.
Can you describe your roles within &Drape?
Nadia: Julie and I are like yin and yang. Julie is structured, loves processes, and is a big
planner, while I’m spontaneous and always exploring new ideas. Our differences make us
great partners. I am the Creative Director, and Julie is the CEO.
What makes the Danish market suitable for &Drape, and where did you find your niche?
Nadia: We wanted to challenge the old ways by offering a contemporary and curated
approach to bespoke curtains. Our passion lies in how colors, light, and textiles can
transform a room’s character and mood. Our designs are known for their modern, timeless
elegance, with an extra design detail like a color clash or a sculptural form.
Do you remember a project that was particularly exciting and helped scale your company?
Julie: It’s hard to single out just one. Many projects have elevated us, especially when
architects and interior designers sought us out. Realizing our potential when inquiries started coming from the USA, England, and Japan was significant. The journey has just begun, and we have many dreams, including international expansion.
Tell me about your new collection, The Lace Curtain Collection. What was the inspiration?
Nadia: The collection was inspired by Karen Blixen’s old “writer’s home,” Rungstedlund. The
poetic atmosphere created by her lace curtains and wild floral installations fascinated us. We
found high-end deadstock lace textiles in Italy and knew it was perfect. This limited edition
collection brings an elegant, poetic statement to spaces, combining classic textiles with
modern simplicity.
What was the biggest milestone for you as co-founders?
Julie: Taking the leap from our advertising jobs to start &Drape without investment was the
biggest milestone. We’ve never regretted it, despite the challenges. Seeing our small idea
grow into the company it is today, and our talented team in action, is immensely rewarding.
How would you like to see your brand in the future?
Nadia: We aim to continue developing our curated &Drape universe and create curtains for
more dream projects globally. We dream of collaborations with exciting artists and designers
internationally, like Ana Kras, who is on our dream list.
