Bestselling rugs Worldwide Part 1

In COVER 78, Lucy Upward looks at a selection of bestselling rugs from across the globe. We will delve into these rugs over a three part series

This is third and last in our ‘Bestsellers’ article series, celebrating the bestselling rugs by top brands across the globe. Following on from the US and European versions, we look at the rest of the world, companies in India, South Africa, South America, Australia and beyond.

Most trends I discuss in COVER appear to be on a relatively global scale, and we have become used to the idea of thinking about design on an international scale. However, the reemergence of more local craft traditions—like those you see at the XTANT event in Mallorca every May (see Previews)—are having a big impact on our interior choices. Therefore, when looking at rug design outside of the US and Europe, I found it interesting to note which designs spoke of their home country, which referred to another location, and which had no reference to place.

By Kamy’s flatweave collection by Yu Li Min is dedicated to the colours and shapes of the Brazilian modernist era, while Shosha Kamal’s Weaving Eternity collection for Kahhal Looms takes motifs from ancient Egypt. Argentinian brand El Espartano’s Irupe rug draws inspiration from a plant growing in South America, and the Inde Rose collection by Vinita Chaitanya for Jaipur Rugs looks at Jaipur’s palatial architecture and nature. In contrast to these, Indian company Tissage’s Grace design references Japanese aesthetics while the Balustrade design by Moroccan brand Beni Rugs is about the landscape of Switzerland.

In COVER magazine’s sister publication HALI, the designs of antique rugs and textiles are analysed by researchers and writers to see where and when they were made and by which areas of the world their makers were influenced. It is funny to think that these antique rugs of tomorrow will paint a rather more confusing picture—but still a beautiful one.

TAN

Chinese brand TAN always has an art-led approach to rug design. This bestseller is designed by Ziyu Zhuang, one of the most prominent figures in Chinese architecture. Zhuang’s rug series for TAN creates architectural space in wool.

By Kamy

Artist Yu Li Min’s flatweave collection for Brazilian brand By Kamy is a riot of colour and shape. The designs are inspired by the Brazilian modernist era, which is characterised by bold colour, geometric forms, and dynamic compositions it interesting to note which designs spoke of their home country, which referred to another location, and which had no reference to place.

Tissage

A classic design by Tissage, Grace from the Aanya collection has had a strong following for years. Inspired by vintage Japanese aesthetics, the natural design is brought alive with bold colour and silk.

Turquoise Mountain

Turquoise Mountain offered three bestselling designs, the neutrally hued Bandaka, traditional in design Polonaise II and the rather wonderful Spirit design shown here, all different in style but equally appealing.

Coral and Hive

Recent bestsellers from Coral and Hive, based in Cape Town, include Poppy (on the wall), which is a collaboration with Trove in London, and the Veld natural rug (on the floor), which is woven with wild mohair and Karakul wool tassels.