Craftsmanship is more than skills and knowledge; it’s about preserving the cultural heritage of a community and contributing to the creation of outstanding works that are cherished for their cultural significance, their value and distinctive beauty.
We share this passion for craft techniques rooted in a variety of countries and cultures with a new generation of talented designers: they are the ones reviving ancestral savoir-faire and shine a light on it. Working closely with master artisans, they can turn their ideas into unique pieces that truly reflect the creativity and attention to detail that went into them.
Take for instance the fantastic furniture pieces and lighting fixtures by Ashiesh Shah. The acclaimed Indian architect and interior designer went to the most remote villages across the country to meet with master artisans – metalsmiths and stone carvers. By collaborating with these craftsmen nationwide, and being inspired by their skills, Shah celebrates “Karigar” – the Urdu word for craftsmanship – and gives a voice to the people who preserve these savoir-faire.
Discover our selection handmade in India.
The design duo behind Atelier Février have been learning about hand-knotting techniques from Nepal for the past two decades. Their striking rugs – in wool and silk – are made by the expert hands of true masters who perpetuate century old gestures. It might take a village to make some of these one-of-a-kind rugs: depending on the size and complexity of the pattern, up to fifty people collaborate for days on end to complete the work.
World renowned designer Nada Debs – recipient of the 2022 AD Middle East Designer of the year award – is putting back on the international map Lebanese wood marquetry. Working closely with local artisans she injects her contemporary take on forgotten designs whilst paying tribute to Middle Eastern traditional crafts. Her style, referred to as “Contemporary Arabesque”, epitomizes her cosmopolitan, prolific background, whilst enhancing traditional, intricate wood inlay techniques known by few.
The Latin-American cofounders of Malaika went all the way to Cairo to shine a light on local traditional crafts, such as pottery and embroidery. The brand’s home linens in Egyptian cotton – much sought after for its distinctive softness and superior quality- are exquisitely hand-embroidered by skilled seamstresses who master techniques that were passed down from one generation to the next. In addition to promoting this heritage savoir-faire, Malaika founded the Thread of Hope school, where underprivileged women are taught a variety of skills – from weaving and hand-embroidery to management – thus offering them the opportunity to become financially independent.
In Brazil, the land of some of the great masters of 20th century design, the likes of Gustavo Neves and Juliana Lima Vasconcellos picked up from where those giants left. It’s all about the sensual textures of tropical woods – sourced from certified forests – and the somewhat brutalist interpretation of metal and stone. Juliana, a native of Belo Horizonte, creates contemporary pieces that carry a playful, feminine quality thanks to the versatility of local woods. Gustavo favors textured, rugged materials, and organic shapes. The artisans who collaborate with him know how to reveal the powerful soul of each piece.
Simplicity, functionality and beauty: Tapping into the Nordic influences that define Scandinavian aesthetic, acclaimed Swedish designer Louise Liljenkrantz collaborates with KFK Cabinet-Makers, arguably the country’s finest wood specialist. In addition to partnering on large scale projects, the designer and the cabinet-maker have authored Veermakers, a capsule collection of furniture pieces “that are timeless and made to last,” striking a chord with customers who appreciate superior craftmanship, quality and sustainability.
Discover our selection handmade in Scandinavia.
Let’s celebrate savoir-faire and the incredible artisans who understand the designer’s vision: their unmatched expertise brings value and beauty to the fantastic furniture pieces we love.
Discover and shop our selections of gorgeous designs handmade by the most skilled artisans from around the world.
