India Mahdavi Captures the Sunset and Night Sky in “Jardin intérieur” for La Manufacture Cogolin

“The new proposals translate perfectly well the complete understanding that India has of our production techniques, including the way we mix and match colors,” said Sarah Henry, Managing Director of La Manufacture Cogolin.

Whitewall asked Mahdavi about the collaboration.

WHITEWALL: You are known for being somewhat of a master of colors. What inspires your use of so many bright colors in your designs?

INDIA MAHDAVI: I crave light, sunshine, and joy—somehow colors seem to bring some of this to me.

WW: You said the colors you chose for this collection were inspired by the sunset, earth and evening. How did you arrive at those points of inspiration?

IM: I think the planet remains at the center of our concerns, thus an endless source of inspiration. Colors from the sky all speak to me—oranges and pinks from the sunset, deep blues from the night, and browns from the autumn leaves

WW: What else influenced your designs in this collaboration with La Manufacture Cogolin?

IM: La Manufacture Cogolin uses very narrow 19th Century Jacquard looms. The 70 cm weaves are then sown together to create the rugs. We imagined creating 6 different designs, which could be assembled in different ways thus creating a variety of patterns.

WW: Which is your favorite piece of the new collection?

IM: The pink jacinthe rug, it is the most unexpected color on a floor and the most luminous.

WW: What is one object in your home you would say embodies your personal style and tastes?

IM: My taste is not about one object—it is about objects living together having a conversation or arguing.

WW: What’s an exhibition you’ve seen recently that you’re still thinking about?

IM: David Hockney’s exhibit at Centre Pompidou—he always manages to surprise me with his color associations and joyful vision of the world.

WW: How do you unwind after a long day in the studio?

IM: I answer interviews like this one while having a glass of red wine and listening to music.