Exclusive report from day one of COVER Connect New York

‘COVER Connect opens with inspired energy’ reports Rachel Fasciani of She Runs in Heels

Day one of COVER Connect New York opened with steady traffic, dynamic energy, and a presentation of truly inspired product. From French Deco motifs to painterly florals, Chinese dragons and chinoiserie-inspired birds and insects to richly textured neutrals, the show highlighted the pinnacle of luxury rugs and carpets.

Attendees responded enthusiastically. ‘I was impressed with Tamarian’s presentation of exceptional and unique product,’ noted David Truett, owner of Truett Fine Carpets and Rugs, reflecting the overall sentiment on the floor.

Forces of Nature

A return to nature was a defining theme across the floor. Birds, florals, dragons—even swans—took centre stage in some of the most striking pieces of the show. Harcourt interpreted this motif through a collection crafted in solution-dyed nylon—durable, soft, and highly cleanable—while New Moon presented dragons and chinoiserie-inspired designs in fine wool.

Highlights included Zollanvari’s Flower Meadow, a joyful daisy motif, as well as New Moon’s Cadmus the Dragon and its lush Garden of Paradise rug. S&H Rugs also embraced the theme with Sparrows on the Tree, a wool design inspired, as Ori Wilbush noted, by a fabric that sparked the concept.

Evolutions in Colour

Colour stories ranged from bold jewel tones to softened brights. Harounian’s Fabergé collection brought richly hued Kashan patterns to life with energized, modern colorways. Kirkit debuted its Sunrise rug, featuring a radiant golden yellow—a note echoed throughout the market.

Kirkit’s collections stand apart not only for design but also for ethos: produced in fair trade workshops in Turkey, the rugs support women with equal pay, shared holidays, healthcare access, and retirement benefits. ‘It’s our own in-house designer,’ shared owner Tovi Diler, underscoring the company’s dedication to both artistry and ethics.

At the softer end of the spectrum, warm neutrals and textural weaves dominated. Momeni highlighted its OAK and broadloom-style Logan designs, while Design Materials presented the jute Salt and Stone. Couristan introduced a new line featuring a luxuriously soft knot structure, available in sculptural patterns and warm, calming tones.

Aesthetic Movements

Design inspiration moved fluidly between eras and styles. Rug & Kilim unveiled refined French Deco designs, while Jaipur Rugs‘ In Between collection explored abrash in hand-tufted neutral wools. Pampas Leather impressed with Flamenco, a Patagonian wool shearling rug accented by cotton topstitching. Knots Rugs, in collaboration with artist Benat Oe, offered a bold black-hued series. ‘Everything he does is in black because he doesn’t want anyone to interpret anything by colour. You can’t really argue with black,’ noted Knots owner Bonnie Sutton.

From heritage-inspired artistry to bold experimentation, COVER Connect’s first day affirmed the rug industry’s creative breadth, ethical focus, and enduring commitment to design innovation.

Text by Rachel Fasciani