About Us

Established in 1963 Novel remains a family run business in its third generation. Our reputation for offering high quality exclusive fabrics, and innovative designs, has established our reputation in the interior design industry. Novel’s extensive line of in-stock products, our commitment to serving our customers, and close working relationships with our designers has made us a trade favorite.

Company History

Novel Fabric is the product of a dream that began in 1948 when Jose Fernàndez opened “La Elegante” fabric store in Guantànamo, Cuba. Unbeknown to him were changes that would occur in the Cuban government that would lead the family to the United States, and eventually to the expansion of a small fabric store into a major distributor of fabrics in the U.S., Mexico and South America.

In 1962, Jose Fernàndez and his family fled Cuba and the dictatorship of Fidel Castro, followed in 1963 by his nephew, Lazaro Fernàndez. Like most Cubans, they left their family and personal possessions behind, seeking freedom in the U.S. They opened a small fabric store, Rio Bravo Decorative Fabrics in McAllen, Texas.

The company expanded in 1972, when Lazaro and Jose’s son, Noe Fernàndez became partners and opened their second fabrics store, Dos Rios Corporation. Dos Rios specializes in fabrics from all over the world: exquisite French and Chantilly laces, Italian silk prints and brocades, and elegant Swiss embroidered fabrics and cottons. Their collection of imported trimmings includes Austrian Swarovski crystals and Czech sea beads, a favorite among their customers.

In 1982, Lazaro Fernàndez Jr. joined the family business and they expanded the design showroom with the opening of Novel Design Centre. Novel Fabrics is a regional distributor and sells exclusively to interior decorators and designers from the U.S., South America and the Caribbean as well as Mexico. The company is committed to providing their customers with high quality and the latest in home fashion at exceptional value.