Karastan and American Rug Craftsmen to bring out 2014 collections in several different fibers that officials say offers more comfort, more durability and more environmental responsibility.
Karastan is introducing SmartStrand Silk, a renewably resourced fiber Mohawk, formerly used only in broadloom, to the rug world with its new Euphoria collection. Being crafted of SmartStrand Silk in the USA, the Euphoria Collection is as soft as silk, as durable as nylon and offers the beauty of wool. Patterns in this collection are transitional and relaxed: fretworks, suzanis, Persian designs and florals.
American Rug Craftsmen is offering the new Symphony collection, crafted of EverStrand, an environmentally friendly PET fiber made of up to 100% recycled content. Two new rug collections expand ARC’s printed rug offerings using the softest nylon yarn on the market: Crib to College, a collection geared toward the preteen and young teen market, but many of the rugs appeal to the carefree 20-somethings as well, and Escape, which has the look of a New England petit point hand-hooked rug and offers styles that bring to mind all those great escape places (beach cottages, mountain lodges, cowboy dude ranches, sea-cruising yachts).
ARC also is bringing out two new woven shag collections. Cascade collection and Augusta collection are made of Permastrand Polypropylene, Mohawk’s high-performing branded polypropylene fiber.
American Rug Craftsmen’s new Turf rug brings the look of the outdoors in or takes indoor comfort outdoors with a unique backing made of 100% post-industrial recycled content that helps the rug stay 10%-20% cooler than other outdoor rugs. Part of the Panoramic collection, Turf is crafted of polypropylene in the USA to be soft, comfortable and durable. It comes in only one color: fresh grass green.
Capel Rugs will unveil two rug lines at Las Vegas. Upton, a hand-tufted 100% wool collection made in India, offers high fashion at a great value, according to the company. Upton is available in 3 by 5, 5 by 8, 7 by 9 and 8 by 11 sizes. An 8 by 11 rug can be retailed for $775.
Panache, a hand-tufted 100% wool collection made in India, provides a great value along with fashionable colors and designs. Nine designs include Bamboo, Chevron, Floral, Impressions, Jetson, Mosaic, Pyramid, Sarouk and Tile. Available in 3 by 5, 5 by 8, 7 by 9 and 8 by 11 sizes. An 8 by 11 rug can be retailed for $599. Capel licensee Coco, who designed the Cococozy collection, will be on hand to meet guests.
Jaipur has signed on new artist/designer Lourdes (Luli) Sanchez, who is known for her overscaled watercolor paintings. There will be a soft launch with more designs coming in hand-tufted rugs, flat-weaves and pillows. According to Asha Chaudhary, Jaipur president and CEO, they are in love with Luli’s work; it’s fun, vibrant and brings a fresh take on typical rug design. Asha Chaudhary is thrilled to showcase her (Luli) work in the new medium and know that designers and buyers alike are ready for this kind of freshness to pattern.
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Asahi Kasei has resumed production of Bemberg at its Nobeoka facility in Japan, almost four years after a partial shutdown.
Nikwax has partnered with technical marine clothing brand Gill Marine to introduce PFAS-free durable water-repellent technology to ocean performance gear.