Simon 171
Recently, the portrayal and creation of rugs has advanced due to the merging of traditional rug companies
and new age designers. Rug companies such as Layered from Stockholm and CC-Tapis from Milan have reached out to more varied creators, such as designers and even artists, for inspiration in their collections. These types of partnerships offer established businesses new markets while allowing designers to try new techniques and materials.
These pairings also mix different cultural elements, resulting in a blend of designs that may be difficult for the brands to achieve by themselves. British artist Alice Crawley’s recent collection, which is a fusion of Western and Asian designs, is an excellent example of this for Layered. Let us look into the creative processes behind three prominent collaborations within the rug business.
Massimo Giorgetti for CC-Tapis: Rug Collection Inspired by Milan’s Metro
Through his collaboration with CC-Tapis, Massimo Giorgetti, Founder of MSGM, brings to life Milan’s metro system. His vision seeks to interpret the metro’s uniquely shaped handrails into rugs, Metallic pieces and sleek lines were intended to be incredibly touched, while his design embody the blend of structure and rhythm of movement in the city’s underbelly capturing the spirit and energy of modernist Milan. Giorgetti also noticed the distinct visual identities of the color-coded metro lines. Each line has a different mood, which inspired the vibrant and relaxed tones in his rugs. His collection captures the metropolitan culture of Milan, allowing the contemporary urban life to be a part of the home.
Kara Rose Marshall for Urban Outfitters: A Collection Inspired from the West
Urban Outfitters
Artist from the UK Kara Rose Marshall worked her enthusiasm for Western films into rugs for Urban Outfitters. In addition to the prints like ‘Riding Star’ and ‘Doodle Boot,’ the collection features rugs, clothes, and ceramics. Marshall’s bespoke prints are at the center of everything. The range incorporates the western theme together with the era-appropriate muted tones, making them timeless and versatile enough to be hung on walls or tossed on the floors. Marshall’s Designed rugs possess zen-like qualities. Her collaboration shows the scope of nostalgia and modern designs blending into homeware. She exemplifies how beautifully reminiscences of the past can be framed in a present-day context.
Alice Crawley for Layered: Contemporary Design Meets Chinoiserie
Alice Crawley’s rug collection ‘Indochine’ incorporates a mix of Asian antique designs with modern elements such as tufting for raised edges. Her collection for Layered is inspired from her time in Hong Kong and Vietnam featuring chinoiserie, bamboo, and Antique Chinese furniture. With the help of the Layered team, Crawley meticulously picked the perfect thread colors and rose borders making the rugs feel both timeless and contemporary. The pieces are unique yet tell a story and showcase eastern influence meeting modern day craftsmanship. Her collection proves that it is indeed possible to transcend time and styles with one masterpiece.
Sarah Griggs
Effects of Creative Collaborations
The collaboration between Giorgetti, Marshall, and Crawley with heritage brands is shifting the paradigm in the industry of rugs. These partnerships enable brands to grow, and at the same time, give designers a chance to exercise their creative limits. They also promote inter-cultural interactions by bringing together different styles and methods to make original pieces. As innovations continue to take place in the rug industry, collaborations will be central in designing the new era where gripping new cultures and traditions blend together.
