On May 22 at abc carpet & home in New York, fashion brand Abraham & Thakore debuted its first-ever rug collection for OBEETEE. The Indian fashion designers behind it all—David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore—are known for taking inspiration from traditional textiles, and mixing time honored craft with modern style. Their aesthetic reflects contemporary urban life in India.
The rug collection blends techniques, patterns, and even text. Whitewall spoke with Abraham after the abc carpet & home launch last month to learn more about the collaboration.
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: As fashion designers, what intrigued you about creating your first ever rug collection?
DAVID ABRAHAM: We trained as textile designers, therefore the design of fabric and textiles is a very important part of our work. We are also attracted to the longevity of carpets, the technique of hand knotting, the slow, meticulous production process in this fast paced world.
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: What was the starting point for this project? What was the initial inspiration for the collection?
DA: We looked at the vast range of traditional Indian textiles and drew on them for inspiration
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: The rugs combine traditional techniques of Bandhani, Ikat, Saree, and Block Print. Why did you want to mix and celebrate these traditional crafts?
DA: We wanted to refer to traditional Indian textiles to develop a vocabulary distinct to our culture yet modern and international in reach
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: There’s also a series of rugs inspired by calligraphy. How were these inspired by memory?
DA: In an age of technology we believe in the human hand. Calligraphy represents human communication by hand, something disappearing rapidly as the keyboard has taken over. A carpet is also painstakingly put together knot by knot by hand in order to create a surface.
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: What was something you discovered in the process of this project weren’t expecting?
DA: We were constantly amazed by the virtuosity and finesse of the carpet weavers and their ability to interpret and refine our design concepts
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: Was there anything you experienced you’ll take back to your studio?
DA: This has simply reinforced our belief that the human hand matched with the human brain is capable of magic!
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: How do you envision these rugs being incorporated into people’s homes?
DA: We have designed them to fit into homes as easily as possible. We would like to become a part of the owners everyday lives and a part of their personal narratives
Courtesy of Abraham & Thakore and abc carpet & home.
WW: How would you describe your idea home environment? What elements need to be there in order for you to create your own personal sanctuary?
DA: For me, home is a sanctuary. An escape and a place to recharge. It it crucial to be surrounded by both beautiful objects as well as memories and connections with my life.
