Drawing inspiration from Portugal and the work of Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus, the ‘Egyptian’ rug collection is the latest release from Armadillo & Co and is comprised of five richly hued artisanal rugs made from hand-knotted, abrash-dyed jute.
To celebrate the range, the collection was captured by Australian photographer Rory Gardiner inside three of Manuel’s buildings recently. “Our new Egyptian weave has a beautiful earthy element to it which we found had a great simpatico and connection with Manuel’s architecture. His work honours ancient techniques but retains a sense of calm and a contemporary aesthetic about it,” says Armadillo & Co co-founder and creative director Jodie Fried.
Textured and understated, the collection has a timeless, luxury feel that is underpinned by its restrained and versatile colour palette. “Thanks to a unique combination of dye, fibre and construction, the colour changes subtly with the light and gradually reveals itself over time, wearing in soulfully like a lustrous silk fabric,” says the brand’s CEO and co-founder Sally Pottharst.
Styled by London-based stylist Louisa Grey, the imagery exudes a relaxed, lived-in feel. “The earthiness and the tones of the Egyptian Collection fit into the space so well. There is a lovely union of all-natural elements that bring the comfort you aspire to have – that quiet, understated luxury within your life,” says Louisa.
A true Australian success story, while the Armadillo & Co head office is based in Sydney, they also have showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Los Angeles and New York City and the brand is also represented by over 200 retailers across 15 countries. Not bad for a brand that kicked off in 2009!
Photography: Rory Gardiner | Styling: Louisa Grey
