Over the past fifteen years this Stockholm-based lifestyle brand has been producing beautiful rugs in Ukraine. When the war began in February the company’s weaving atelier found itself in Russian-occupied territory. Here Cia Attling, one of the three company directors, tells Lucy Upward what happened next

‘At the start of February there was a real threat of invasion. We did discuss moving the weaving atelier but our Ukrainian partner, Larissa, was initially convinced that Kakhovka—where our atelier is, in the south—would be OK. When Russia invaded on 24 February, Kakhovka was occupied by the Russians after only a couple of days. So our atelier with the weavers, looms, stock, and truck loads of ready-made rugs were all caught. All roads out of Kakhovka were blocked by Russian tanks. It was quite terrifying.

Since we had a full order book we had a lot of material as we had wanted to keep a good amount of stock due to the rising tension. We discussed with our weavers if they felt safe, if they wanted to continue weaving. Most wanted to as they felt safer at work, plus they wanted an income and wanted something to do.

Larissa found a new space in Kosiv, which is close to the border with Romania. It’s a small village which has an art school with a weaving department, which we had been cooperating with previously. Kosiv is in the Carpathian mountains, out of the way, so she started to rent it. Then Sasha—the man who has been in charge of maintaining and building our looms—organised a van through a local farmer, and with the help of ten extra men he demounted our looms and drove them on his own out from occupied territory. It was a long process.

The new atelier is very nice. The looms are up and running and we hope to be at full capacity by the end of August.’

Find out more about Vandra Rugs and see the full article in COVER 68, out now.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Recent Articles

Review: COVER Connect New York 2022

Review: COVER Connect New York 2022

The second edition of COVER Connect New York drew to a close at lunchtime on Tuesday 13 September after an action packed two and a half days of business at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan. There was an incredibly positive atmosphere for the duration of the...

Deirdre Dyson

Deirdre Dyson

Artist rugs     Heirloom quality     Inspiring Design Library Golden Glints, All at Sea collection, Deirdre Dyson ‘During lockdown I was stuck on my boat for about three months. I had the sea all around me for...

COVER Curates, January 18th 2022

COVER Curates, January 18th 2022

Launching on 18th January 2022, COVER Curates is a new way for leading handmade rug brands to present their latest collections, developments and designs to buyers worldwide online. The concept has been specifically developed in consultation with key...

COVER news report, 17 July

COVER news report, 17 July

Obituary, John Feizy More than fifty years after Feizy Rugs first opened its doors in Dallas, the rug industry is mourning the passing of its founder, John Feizy. The fifth-generation member of his family to buy, sell and collect Oriental rugs, Feizy grew his small...

COVER 80 – The Special 20th Anniversary Edition

COVER 80 – The Special 20th Anniversary Edition

To mark 20 years of COVER magazine being at the centre of the rug industry, our Autumn issue will be a special COLLECTORS' EDITION. The covetable printed issue of COVER 80 will be accompanied by a FREE digital edition, available on the websites of media...

COVER Connect New York approaches

COVER Connect New York approaches

Register now for COVER Connect New York 2025! The leading trade show for high-end handmade rugs returns to the Metropolitan Pavilion and The Altman Building in Manhattan from September 13–15, 2025.With just two months to go, it is almost time to welcome more than...

Related Articles