Latest news with #handwoven
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dragon Diffusion and Rixo have created the perfect summer bag – and it's back in stock
For the second year in a row, Dragon Diffusion is dominating the summer wardrobes of the fashion crowd. Its popularity is part of a wider growing demand for affordable luxury. In a climate of spiraling costs, it's no surprise that interest in labels such as Longchamp (see the le pilage) and Coach is up. Founded in 1985, Dragon Diffusion uses traditional basket weaving techniques to create its designs, which are handwoven in India. From the Instagram-viral nantucket style (£390, to the egola bag (£410, all the designs cost less than £500. In a match made in bag heaven, Dragon Diffusion announced a collaboration with the beloved British fashion label Rixo last month. Naturally, the accessories and bags sold out within weeks. Now, with summer officially here, the collection is back in stock. Talking about the launch, Orlagh McCloskey, CEO and co-founder of Rixo said: 'I've long admired the brand's dedication to artisanal craft, authenticity, and modern sophistication. The vintage-inspired bags and belts are perfect for warm-weather days and designed to be loved season after season.' The seven-strong capsule includes two handwoven leather bag styles in various colourways and a statement belt, with pieces ranging from £145 to £385. Celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving, the amoria bag draws inspiration from Japanese bamboo basketry while nodding to Sixties-style French basket bags. It looks like the perfect everyday size – it's sold out in the green and tan colourway, but it's still available in black. This might be my favourite affordable designer bag I've seen this season. The lucine bag is generously sized, making it an ideal companion for beach days, long weekends or travelling. The same handwoven leather techniques as Dragon Diffusion's recognisable bags have been employed here, and it's available in two neutral colourways – classic tan (sold out) and deep dark brown – to slot seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. This statement belt has been inspired by a vintage piece discovered by Orlagh McCloskey and has been designed to be mixed and matched with your favourite Rixo dresses. Available in brown and black, I've added it straight to my basket.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Natural Fibers, Lasting Impact: Armadillo's Challenge To Industrial Design
In India and Nepal, Armadillo Rugs supports its artisans not only through fair wages and dignified ... More labor conditions but also by funding schools and housing for their families. In an era marked by fast fashion and disposable design, the interiors industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental and social footprint. Many home goods rely on fossil fuel-based synthetics like polyester and nylon, which take centuries to decompose and account for around 35% of ocean microplastics. Textile production contributes to 20% of global clean water pollution from dyeing and finishing. More broadly, household consumption is responsible for 72% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Against this backdrop, Armadillo Rugs offers a compelling alternative: a design philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and deep respect for the human hands behind every product. Founded in 2009, Armadillo has challenged the dominant model by anchoring its operations in ethical sourcing, natural materials, and handwoven production. In contrast to mass production's speed and scale, Armadillo embraces the nuance of process and place. Using undyed, renewable fibers like wool, jute, and linen, the company reduces chemical inputs and highlights the raw beauty of nature in every finished piece. Armadillo co-founder Jodie Fried told me that what distinguishes Armadillo most is its long-term investment in the communities it works with. In India and Nepal, the company supports its artisans not only through fair wages and dignified labor conditions but also by funding schools and housing for their families. Education, especially for girls, is a central focus, exemplified by the KVM School, which Armadillo fully supports. These efforts reflect a broader belief that good design must contribute positively to the lives it touches, both materially and socially. As the first Australian and American rug company to achieve B Corp certification, Armadillo has formalized its sustainability efforts across governance, carbon footprint, and material circularity. With ongoing goals like deepening supply chain transparency and supporting regenerative farming, the company demonstrates that accountability in design is not static but evolving. Perhaps most notably, Armadillo reframes what 'luxury' means. In its view, luxury is not the abundance of resources, but the care with which they are used; not speed, but story; not excess, but intention. This ethic challenges consumers to consider not only the aesthetic value of what they bring into their homes, but the systems of labor, ecology, and legacy they are participating in. As businesses across sectors grapple with their impact, Armadillo offers a model of how design can serve as both aesthetic expression and social commitment. In doing so, it illuminates a path forward for companies seeking to merge beauty with justice. Christopher Marquis: Can you first discuss how Armadillo's methods differ from conventional rug manufacturingtechniques? Jodie Fried, Armadillo Rugs co-founder Jodie Fried: At Armadillo, we believe true luxury lies in authenticity – which is why every rug we create is made by hand using traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. Our process is intentionally slow and deeply human, grounded in care, intention and a respect for craft. We work exclusively with natural fibers such as wool, jute, linen and silk, choosing quality over quantity in every facet of creation. The result is a product that honors both the artisan and the environment, with a soulfulness that simply can't be replicated by machines. Our methods may take longer, but we believe beauty that is consciously made will always endure. In a world that often prioritizes speed and convenience, we're proud to stand for something more considered — something lasting. Marquis: Can you say a bit more about the significance of using undyed, natural materials in your products, particularly how this benefits both the environment and the end-product quality? Fried: Using undyed, natural materials is one of the most meaningful choices we've made as a brand. These fibers are not only biodegradable and renewable, but they also allow us to dramatically reduce our environmental impact by avoiding the energy and water-intensive processes associated with chemical dyes. Beyond sustainability, there's a raw beauty and integrity to these materials – the tonal variations in undyed wool, for example, add a depth and richness that can't be replicated in synthetic alternatives. They give each piece a sense of place and personality. At the same time, our customers can feel confident that they are bringing something into their homes that is safe, healthy and entirely free from toxins. It's a win for the planet, the maker and the home. Marquis: How does Armadillo support the artisans and communities behind its handmade rugs? Fried: Supporting our artisan communities is intrinsic to who we are – it's a relationship built on care, transparency and mutual respect. Many of our weavers have been with us since the beginning, and we remain deeply committed to ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions and dignified livelihoods for all. But our support doesn't stop at the loom. We support a network of philanthropic initiatives in the regions where our rugs are made, with a strong focus on education - especially for girls. In India, we fully fund the KVM School, which provides free schooling for the children of our artisans. In Nepal, we support long-term education and safe housing for vulnerable youth through partnerships with Sunrise Children's Foundation and Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School. For us, giving isn't a side project but a fundamental expression of our belief that good design should also do good in the world. Marquis: How has Armadillo's sustainability efforts evolved since its inception? What are some sustainability goals Armadillo hopes to achieve in the next few years? Fried: When we founded Armadillo in 2009, sustainability was a foundational value. We began with a simple belief: that it's possible to create something beautiful without compromising the wellbeing of the planet or its people. Over the years, that belief has grown into a comprehensive sustainability strategy, including becoming the first Australian and American rug company to achieve B Corp certification in 2021 - and most recently, recertifying with one of the highest scores in the furniture category. We've achieved carbon neutrality across all our showrooms, publish an annual Impact Report and aligned our long-term goals with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Looking ahead, our priorities include deepening supply chain transparency, supporting regenerative farming practices, and expanding programs like rug recycling and material circularity. Sustainability isn't a finish line for us – it's a journey of continuous improvement and responsibility. Marquis: What inspired Armadillo to pursue a B Corp certification? How has it shaped your operations and values since? Fried: Pursuing B Corp certification was a natural step for us – not just to affirm our values externally, but to hold ourselves accountable internally. From day one, we wanted to build a brand that stood for something more than just aesthetics – one that cared deeply about people, the planet and legacy. The B Corp framework gave us the structure to formalize those intentions and push ourselves to do better across every aspect of the business, from supply chains to governance. It has also become a powerful symbol to our customers, collaborators and team – a way of signaling that we're part of a growing community of businesses committed to using commerce as a force for good. Being a B Corp doesn't mean we've arrived; it means we're committed to learning, evolving and being radically transparent about where we go next.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dragon Diffusion and Rixo have created my favourite mid-range bag
Dragon Diffusion dominated the summer wardrobes of the fashion crowd last year and it'll likely be the same this season. Its popularity is part of a wider growing demand for affordable luxury. In a climate of spiraling costs, it's no surprise that interest in labels such as Longchamp (see the le pilage) and Coach is up. Founded in 1985, Dragon Diffusion uses traditional basket weaving techniques to create its designs, which are handwoven in India. From the Instagram-viral nantucket style (£390, to the egola bag (£410, all designs cost less than £500. In an exciting move, Dragon Diffusion announced a collaboration with one of Britain's most beloved fashion labels, Rixo. Talking about the launch, Orlagh McCloskey, CEO and co-founder of Rixo said: 'I've long admired the brand's dedication to artisanal craft, authenticity, and modern sophistication. The vintage-inspired bags and belts are perfect for warm-weather days and designed to be loved season after season.' The seven-strong capsule includes two handwoven leather bag styles in various colourways and a statement belt, with pieces ranging from £145 to £385. Celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving, the amoria bag draws inspiration from Japanese bamboo basketry while nodding to Sixties-style French basket bags. It looks like the perfect everyday size – it's sold out in the green and tan colourway, but it's still available in black. This might be my favourite affordable designer bag I've seen this season. The lucine bag is generously sized, making it an ideal companion for beach days, long weekends or travelling. The same handwoven leather techniques as Dragon Diffusion's recognisable bags have been employed here, and it's available in two neutral colourways – classic tan and deep dark brown – to slot seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. This statement belt has been inspired by a vintage piece discovered by Orlagh McCloskey and has been designed to be mixed and matched with your favourite Rixo dresses. Available in brown and black, I've added it straight to my basket.
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
How Moroccan Rugs Became a Global Symbol of Sustainable Luxury
05/07/2025, New York City, New York // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In design circles, Moroccan rugs have quietly become 'handwoven masterpieces, rich in heritage and understated beauty' that 'have transcended trends to become timeless icons' in modern interiors. From Brooklyn lofts to Scandinavian hygge rooms, these thick woolen carpets add cozy warmth and organic texture, and they come with a sustainability story that appeals to conscious consumers. As experts note, today's buyers often ask 'Will it last?' and increasingly want answers that point to longevity and ethics. A handknotted Moroccan rug , crafted slowly over weeks, is seen as an investment rather than disposable décor, a sharp contrast to the throwaway 'fast furniture' culture blamed for 10 million tons of US furniture waste a year. In an era of fleeting trends, these sturdy artisan weavings are valued both for their style and for their carbon-minimal, all-natural origins. A Berber weaver in Morocco's Atlas Mountains spins sheep's wool on a wooden loom, continuing a centuries-old family tradition. In the remote villages of southern Morocco, women have long been 'the guardians of the age-old craft of carpet weaving'. For generations, Amazigh (Berber) families have spun local sheep's wool by hand and dyed it with plant-based pigments (henna, pomegranate or indigo) to create thick pile rugs suited for cold mountain homes. These tribal carpets ,from snowy-white Beni Ourain to bold Azilal and Boujad patterns ,were originally practical bedding against winter chill. Today they are prized for that same warmth and durability. 'This tradition has been handed down for centuries, from mothers to daughters,' says Safia Imnoutres of a local cooperative. The looms may be old-fashioned, but the results resonate with 21st-century tastes: the subtle irregularities and hand-tied knots give each rug a soul that no machine-made imitations can match. For interiors focused on sustainability, Moroccan vintage rug can offer a true 'slow-made' alternative. As one décor specialist explains, handcrafted Moroccan rugs 'can take weeks or even months to complete, using age-old techniques that ensure the rug's quality and longevity.' This slow-paced production means each piece is built to last decades, not designed to wear out in a few years. Their dense wool fibers are naturally stain-resistant and resilience-tested: with proper care, they stand up to daily life, spills, high-traffic, even children playing on the floor, without losing beauty. Unlike synthetic carpets, these rugs are woven from 100% wool and naturally colored with organic dyes, making them fully biodegradable at end of life. In effect, every Moroccan rug blends 'beauty and sustainability', embodying a minimal-impact aesthetic that eco-minded designers celebrate. This emphasis on natural materials and longevity reflects a broader shift in home goods. After all, what makes a piece truly luxurious today often comes down to its story and craftsmanship. A designer quoted in Harper's Bazaar notes how an heirloom mindset has taken hold: what was once 'mass-produced… disposable' is being replaced by selections that answer 'Will it last? … It's an investment, an heirloom even'. Moroccan textiles fit this ethos perfectly. Each geometric motif is unique and tells a story, so no two handwoven rugs are identical. Consumers who care about the environment now equate the textured neutrality of a Beni carpet or the vibrant symbolism of an Azilal print with lasting quality. Rather than chasing short-lived fads, they're drawn to the 'ethical production behind each item', which, as one crafts blog puts it, means 'supporting fair trade and sustainable practices' by choosing artisanal decor. In short, these woolen treasures are proving that real luxury can be quiet, rugged and responsible. Berberorugs is actively working to return more of the value of each sale directly to the artisans who make these rugs. Rather than sourcing from large souks or through layers of middlemen, the brand partners directly with weavers and small family workshops in Morocco, ensuring that the women behind the looms receive fair, dignified compensation for their craft. Berberorugs takes pride in maintaining personal relationships with its artisan partners, cutting out intermediaries so that more of the profit reaches the source. In addition to providing stable orders and consistent income, the brand also invests in infrastructure that allows artisans to work in safe, supportive environments, often from their own homes or community weaving spaces. This model helps preserve traditional techniques while offering a sustainable livelihood. For Berberorugs, it's not just about selling beautiful textiles, it's about uplifting the very communities that create them. When a customer buys from Berberorugs, they're not only bringing home a piece of history, they're directly supporting the future of Moroccan craftsmanship. Berberorugs offers not only a wide range of Moroccan carpets but also coordinating pillows, leather poufs and other decor pieces, styled for design-savvy buyers. The goal is to make these heirloom-quality textiles accessible: as the press release puts it, Moroccan artisans 'weave every rug with love' to create pieces that elevate a room 'not only as decor but as a testament to the art of traditional weaving'. In marketing speak, each rug becomes a life-long investment in both style and heritage. This convergence of craftsmanship and commerce reflects a broader change in the home furnishings market. As one trend analyst observed, shoppers have begun to value the social and environmental story behind what they buy. A Moroccan pillow or rug, once a niche boho item, now signals those values at a glance: it looks effortlessly chic, yet it also fits a sustainable lifestyle. Prominent interiors outlets note that geometric Moroccan styles 'blend effortlessly into virtually any décor', from minimalist urban lofts to colorful family homes. The fact that each Berber carpet is unique ,no two are exactly alike ,only heightens the appeal for consumers seeking authenticity in their spaces. In the end, choosing a Moroccan textile is about more than pattern or fiber content. It is a vote for slow design, for preserving heritage, and for ethical consumption. For homeowners, the pay-off is tangible: plush, warm flooring that wears gracefully. But the emotional and cultural returns can be even greater. As one cooperative founder puts it, when a woman weaves a carpet, 'it's something very special and very important.' Each knot embodies hours of skilled labor and personal expression. Buying that rug means carrying forward a piece of Amazigh culture and supporting the women who keep it alive. In a disposable age, Moroccan rugs remind us that the best home accents are also cultural investments. They are built to become tomorrow's family heirlooms, carrying stories and traditions across continents. As the design community likes to say, this isn't just decor, it's a living link to history. Original Source of the original story >> How Moroccan Rugs Became a Global Symbol of Sustainable Luxury
