A round-up five of designers who have joined forces with interior companies and lent their names to carpets, cushions, chairs and more, to covetable effect.
Updated: December 18, 2014, 12:00 AM
Designers who have joined forces with interior companies – in pictures
Norma Kamali for FBMI. It took two years for the designer Norma Kamali’s collection for the Fatema Bint Mohammed Initiative (FBMI) to come to fruition. The end result is a dozen predominantly monochromatic carpets, with inspirational-sounding names such as Collaboration, Gratitude, Empowered, Knowledge and Potential. The choice of names is reflective of Kamali’s and FBMI’s many efforts in the matter of women’s rights, making their relationship a discernible one. Each carpet is woven using indigenous Afghan wool bought from nomads in western and central Afghanistan, and is, according to Kamali, a collection consciously designed to challenge preconceived ideas about what the Afghan carpet is — and could be. Mona Al-Marzooqi / The National
Alexander McQueen for The Rug Company. While Paul Smith was the first big-name designer to team up with The Rug Company, there have been plenty of others. One of our favourite collaborations was that with Alexander McQueen, which resulted in a stunning collection of rugs, wall hangings and pillows featuring the designer’s typically arresting designs, pronounced colours and, of course, trademark skulls. Though difficult to pick just one, we adore the wall hanging titled Hummingbird,, made from hand-woven pashmina and silk Aubusson. Courtesy The Rug Company
Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois. The haute couture designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s collaboration with Roche Bobois consists of chairs, sofas and throw pillows, where contemporary designs meet boldly coloured fabrics. One of his standout collections is a compilation of charming Louis XIV-style chairs, made from solid beechwood and traditional French naval Breton-stripe fabrics., The backrests of several pieces feature scenes from what look like Renaissance paintings — adorable cherubs and all — a definite conversation starter. Courtesy Roche Bobois
Raf Simons for Kvadrat. The Belgium-born Raf Simons is known for experimenting with colours and fabrics. One need only look to the pieces from his spring/summer 2014 collection to see this. So it’s no surprise that the designer’s collaboration with Kvadrat, has built on his interest in the blending, of hues and materials. Consisting of upholstery, cushions and throws, the collection includes bright and complementing colours, making it easy to pair pieces with one another. Our personal favourites are the Pilot, Sonar and Astor cushions, all from, the collection, which make for an, eye-catching trio. Courtesy Kvadrat