The review of the recent COVER Connect New York opens with our new US correspondent Keith Flanagan offering a view of the show by selecting his five favourite collections. This is followed by words from visiting retailers and exhibitors.
As an interiors expert, this year’s COVER Connect in Manhattan was a delight thanks to stylish debuts that stood out in all the right ways—here are a few covetable picks that caught my eye.
Rug & Kilim
Embracing the surge of block-printed wallcoverings and fabrics in recent years, Rug & Kilim adapted the ancient technique for an inspired new surface. Using Jacquard weaving, their Block Print collection takes intricate 17th- and 18th-century Indian motifs typical of royal courts (where block printing flourished) to floors, shimmering in all-over patterns thanks to oxidised wool ground with a silk pile. Bold yet beautifully simple, the scaled up shapes and designs take on a whole new life.
Beni Ouarain rugs tend to hog the spotlight in Morocco’s vast collection of traditional styles, which makes Izza Berber a delightful surprise; their first debut in the East, the family-run company showcased a line of Hassira floor coverings, a lesser known Berber style using woven dried palm leaves embroidered with bright, usually red, wool yarn in thick geometric patterns. The red variation pictured here (fun fact: the family’s aunt lugged it over in her own suitcase) would add a dash of unusually saturated colour to any space, making this company one to watch.
Always the interior designer’s best friend, Battilossi is known for their mood boards (complementary rugs that can live together in one project), and their checkered Doko series is a brilliant addition to the mix. Released in neutral last year, Battilossi now leans into the market’s lust for colour with more intense tones (think turquoise and blue, or purple and green in contrasting rectangles). Natural variations in Battilossi’s Ghazni wool and unique weaving technique creates an almost watercolour effect throughout the graphic pattern–a dynamic take on classic check that’s sure to play well with others.
The new Adobe collection from Momeni Rugs feels like a shoe-in for homeowners, simplifying expert layering techniques popular amongst interior designers (for example, placing a small patterned rug atop a large plain jute rug) by combining two rug styles in one. The rug pictured here in particular brings the concept into focus–a hefty jute border pivots to a colourful wool pattern, ushering the texture and variation of layering without all the stacking.
Clients are increasingly craving furnishings with backstory, something third-generation Asia Minor Carpets delivers in troves. The rug pictured here, from the Retro Musical Notes collection, is a reproduction from a 1960s design by Turkey’s multidisciplinary artist Zeki Müren, most known for his classical music but also his knack for hand-knotted mid-century rugs. Feeling wistful, Asia Minor’s president, Alp Basdogan, brought back this wool collection (which was originally commissioned by his father), slightly refined with a lower pile to better define the whimsical patterns inspired by musical notes–a beautiful construction with a bit of composition.
More views of COVER Connect New York 2024
‘We were particularly excited about the rugs from Banu Home—their offerings were a fantastic addition to the show. Since we primarily focus on vintage rugs, we’re always on the lookout for new suppliers who provide organic, cozy designs that complement our vintage pieces. I’ve attached a photo of some intriguing wool weaves Alex had that I had never seen anywhere before. We’re all about sourcing unique products that are unique and go with our brand! Thank you for another wonderful event!’
-Visiting Retailer: Amanda Birnie, Curio Rugs
‘I’m in love with Wendy Morrison collection! Talk about vibrant and creative, this is it! Making me love the collection even more is that she’s a most wonderful person, truly unique and special. There’s no other way to describe this collection (and Wendy herself)!’
-Visiting Retailer: Jackie Cox, Tapis Decor
‘COVER Connect has established itself as “the show,” for high end rugs in the USA. Much to our surprise, Kush decided to onboard two new vendors who caught our eye. Not only was it a treat to see fresh designs, CCNY was a great opportunity for our team to visit with the vendors who remain critical to our success. Email and phone calls are convenient, however shared time is a priceless relationship builder. See you in Vegas!’
–Visiting Retailer: Brian Robins, Kush Rugs
‘In a time where our business is changing dramatically it was very inspiring and nourishing to speak to some of my colleagues and visit with my most revered vendors. I am glad I took the time to visit COVER Connect New York.’
–Visiting Retailer: Christiane Millinger
‘Overall I thought the show was the best it has ever been with so many vendors. I appreciated more European rug lines that attended. One of my favourite new ones was Lila Valadan which mesmerised me. Knots’ new Alicia Gimeno rugs were stunning and definitely a highlight along with their new Floral collection. Hanging out with Wendy Morrison was an exercise in joyous listening as I worked on my Scottish while being smitten by her beautiful rugs. Overall I enjoyed visiting so many of the lines that I carry and the people behind them. It is the community that makes this business so much more than a job! Last but not least I joined Label Step as a retailer which brings personal gratification. Till next year!’
–Visiting Retailer: Ali Nikrooz, Couture Knots
‘As exhibitors at COVER Connect NYC 2024, we felt a consistent flow of buyers and industry clientele throughout the weekend. There was never a dull moment and the energy was high. It was a positive experience overall.’
-Exhibitor: Georgia Pahl, Wool & Silk Rugs
‘The show was great! We met many of our clients and we also opened new accounts. We were super busy during the 3 days of the show! Appreciate so much COVER Connect assistance and organisation of the event. Looking forward to seeing you again in Vegas show!’
–Exhibitor: Jaime Crespi, Pampas Leather LLC
