Ikat, tribal, call it what you will, it’s a trend that emerged a couple of years ago and is still really popular. Nor is it going anywhere for a while so you’re safe to invest. And when you see these gorgeous patterns and deep rich colours you might want to. Note also the navy blue wall – that’s another key look that’s coming up if you ask me.
These pieces are from the new Maya Collection at A Rum Fellow which they first showed at Clerkenwell Design Week. They’re handworked and actually, if you took out the dark walls work brilliantly for summer with their bright patterns and details.
The tapestries were created in collaboration with a Maya weaving cooperative in Guatemala. Each tapestry is an artwork in itself, achieved by simultaneously combining hand weaving and embroidery, a technique mastered by Maya tribeswomen. A single metre length can take up to a month to make.
As part of the collection A Rum Fellow has developed an ikat design, handknotted, dyed and loomed in the traditional method. “We love discovering ancient craft techniques and translating them into extraordinary products that are relevant today,” said Dylan O’Shea, co-founder of the company.
He and his co-founder Caroline Lindsell travel in search of authentic craft and design to infuse into their collections. The couple explored Guatemala extensively where Indigenous women dress in ‘huipils’, a highly decorated traditional tunic which identifies each tribe.
“We explored as many areas as we could, and were bowled over by the huge differences in designs and techniques across the country, said Caroline. The scope of the designs can be seen in the cushions made from vintage huipils.”
A Rum Fellow works with weaving cooperatives, social enterprises and charities promoting female artisans.
