DE51GN

At the recently concluded ICFF, The Rug Company showcased its new geometric collection designed by Suzanne Sharp, which is inspired by familiar patterns used in 18th century churches and public buildings in Sicily. Sharp says of her collection, “The suitably bold colours, textural opulence and quality reflect the passion that we feel for our rugs”.

Also on show was Puzzle by celebrated and award-winning British design duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. Puzzle is a complex, finely hand woven flatweave of silhouettes depicting components of the designers’ work. Sycamore, the latest contribution from Marni, is further confirmation of the unique appeal of Marni’s brilliant use of print.

In recognition of The Rug Company’s recent collaboration with celebrity American designer Kelly Wearstler and the launch of The Rug Company’s new catalogue there were images of Wearstler’s new rugs shown in interior settings. Grand-dame of punk fashion Vivienne Westwood’s Love Heart was also seen for the first time. This latest addition from Westwood is a continuation of the previously produced edgy series of rugs, wall hangings and cushions.

De51gn spoke to Suzanne Sharp, who is bringing the très cool The Rug Company label to Dubai shortly with a store slated to open at the very exclusive and swanky Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) location.

Suzanne Sharp

You are opening your first Middle East store in Dubai soon. What do you think of the emirate’s burgeoning modern design awareness?
I have been really impressed by the standard of design in the UAE – the architecture alone is spectacular, as world class names are coming up with fascinating designs that are really putting the area on the design map.

Having worked with an impressive line-up of interior as well as fashion designers, The Rug Company has become synonymous with high-design contemporary rugs. How has rug design evolved over the years?
When we founded The Rug Company, we really felt that there was a lack of high quality, hand made rugs with cutting edge designs; however we hope that The Rug Company has changed this. We try not to give our designers too many guidelines or limitations, allowing them a chance to experiment and stretch the boundaries of rug design. In a sense we like to think of our design brief as a blank canvas on which the designer can imprint their own style, which leads to some really interesting results.

Puzzle by Barber Osgerby

Homegrown green by Barber Osgerby

How would you sum up The Rug Company’s design philosophy?
Combining the vision of some of the great designers of our time with traditional craftsmanship to create unique, handmade and luxurious rugs.

British design industry has become a strong competitor to the Italian manufacturers who have dominated the scene until now. But with companies such as TRC and Established & Sons, and some really talented designers coming from the UK, who have made an international mark, the equation has perhaps become more balanced. What are your thoughts on this phenomenon?
I have always admired the Italian manufacturers for their exquisite designs and the attention they pay to quality of their product. We at The Rug Company are firm believers in the importance of craftsmanship, honest design, and high quality materials. This is a very exciting time for British design – the proliferation of British designers and manufacturers at the Salone del Mobile in Milan was proof enough that Britons are matching up to the Italians. Established & Sons and Meta are great examples of this, as well as designers such as Tom Dixon, Barber Osgerby and Committee.

Palazzo from the Contemporary Collection by The Rug Company

Swirl by Paul Smith

You are one of the pioneers in contemporary rug design that reflects the same design ethos as the rest of the interior furnishings. What is the biggest challenge you faced initially?
Balancing my passion for The Rug Company with my family life which is extremely important to me.

What is the next project that you are working on? If you could ask any fashion or interior designer to design for you, who would it be?
We have just launched an eight piece collection with Kelly Wearstler which has been received really well – she is great to work with. We are really meticulous about choosing the right designers for the brand and as a result have got a great list of designers from the fields of fashion and interior design, including Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Diane von Furstenberg, Marni and Barber Osgerby. We are working with Tom Dixon which is really exciting, and also Temperley. So look out for some fantastic new designs later this year.

Zephyr by Kelly Wearstler

Bijoux by Kelly Wearstler

What is your personal style? Do you have any favourite designers or iconic piece of furniture?
Modern, emotional and comfortable. I’m interested in how people feel in a space and I’m into being able to move things around when I have new ideas: the rug is a perfect example of my nomadic approach to decorating.

How would you describe Dubai?
Mad! I find it staggering how much has been achieved in such a short amount of time there. The architecture is some of the most flamboyant that can be seen anywhere in the world, and yet this contrasts strongly with the modest indigenous buildings, such as the wind towers of the Bastakia area. The retail offering is extremely exciting, and Dubai is now a serious shopping destination as well as as a leisure and business hub.