COMO, Italy — Denis Halard, principal of Nobilis Fontan, the $30 million plus decorative fabric editeur, has  returned to the helm of the 84 year old company after a four year absence.

“I had assigned new management to Nobilis in 2008 so I could focus on the real estate business,” he explained while shopping at Proposte in May.

His appointed  manager Richard Aouate, complained of exhaustion from the fabric business and asked to leave which he did, Halard said.  Nobilis’ Halard Returns

“I have now re-discovered my passion for the fabric and wallcovering business.”  

In addition, his son Norman has joined the business as of last September which “makes the future more enthusiastic than ever,” Denis said. “I am now developing a plan to redevelop our business and this is helped by my perspective from the last four years in another business entirely,” he explained. “I was previously too involved in day to day business at Nobilis. Now I have a greater idea of what needs to be done.”

Mr. Halard was picked for the cover of Fabrics & Furnishings International’s first issue 22 years ago and he is as spry and dynamic as ever!