The fabulous bold, green leaf wallpaper in the bathroom of The Aviator (2004) where Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) takes one of his many germophobic turns, is one of the most dynamic papers to ever grace a wall!

This wallpaper is the Martinique banana palm.

Returning from their South Seas holiday in 1942, Remy and Lucile Chatain were inspired to capture not just the vivid beauty of the tropics but the very essence of its lush vibrancy. Partnering with their talented friend, the renowned illustrator and textile designer Albert Stockdale, they created a striking botanical pattern that radiated the exuberance they had experienced. This captivating design was showcased in their showroom, a testament to their tropical adventure.

When Don Loper, the illustrious designer responsible for the Beverly Hills Hotel makeover, visited their showroom, he instantly recognised the perfect aesthetic for his project. He adopted the Chatains’ mural-style design, extending it to grace the hotel’s corridors, thus transforming the space into a timeless icon.

For more than 75 years, CW Stockwell has been the proud sole producer of the genuine Martinique banana leaf wallpaper and fabric, continuing to celebrate the enduring allure of this classic design.