cc-tapis

cc-tapis is a brand committed to exploring new innovations and approaches to tradition carpet-making methods. Born in France in 2011, designed in Milan and produced in Nepal. The hand-knotted rugs are created by Tibetan artisans, with specific dedication placed on the bespoke finish of each rug, resulting in a three month production time for each item. The use of undyed raw materials, original weaving patterns and an eco-friendly approach are central to the brand’s design ethos.

cc-tapis was founded by Nelcya Chamszadeh and Fabrizio Cantoni and together they have been producing these hand woven rugs in Nepal for over 18 years. Now working from their Milan workshop, with head designer Daniele Lora, an art-director and partner, on new approaches to traditional methods.

Their respect for materials and the culture, from which this ancient craft has derived, is reflected in the brand’s eco-friendly approach to production, from hand spinning Himalayan wool to using purified rainwater for washing final products and making each cc-tapis rug individual. The company offers a tailor made service for those who want a high-end product with an ageless culture that’s worth the long production time.

The hand-knotting is an extremely fine and complex production technique, with each knot being made by hand and each cc-tapis rug can have 232,000 single knots per square meter. No machines are used during the production process. Instead the refining of raw materials, dying, knotting, finishes and final washing are managed at the brand’s Atelier.

Fine natural materials are used, such as the Himalayan wool from Himalayan sheep in Tibet, a rich and robust wool with strength coming from natural lanolin present in each fibre, it is durable and stain resistant. Silk comes directly from the silk worm and is imported from China. Aloe, taken from the fibre of a nettle plant, is the strongest and recommend for rugs with high usage. These materials are all hand-spun in the Atelier, meaning cc-tapis can customise and adapt each yarn for each project, from fine yarns to more thick and textured yarns.

Once the yarns are spun and washed they are hand dyed by the “master of colour”, who is connoisseur in matching colour codes. Each material is dyed specifically for each project, meaning little stock is kept of any one colour. The hand-knotting stage can then begin, using a vertical loop to interlace warp and weft threads. Wool, silk and aloe threads are then knotted onto the cotton warp and the design is created. The knots form the pile of the rug which can be short, long or shaggy. The final wash of the material is essential, as it fixes the dye and removes loose fibres. Using recycled water is sustainable and guarantees there are no chlorines that could bleach the rug.

Designers Focus

Patricia Urquiola

Urquiola studied architecture at the Polytechnic of Madrid and Milan, she now lives and works in Milan, after setting up her own design studio in 2001. She designs products for some of the most important Italian and international companies, such as Alessi, Ferragamo and Haworth. Urquiola has won several international prizes and awards and her work is displayed in various museums and collections, such as MoMA in New York, Musée des Arts decoratifs in Paris. “Designer of the Year” for WallpaperStore*, ADSpain, Elle Decor International and Architektur und Wohnen Magazine. Urquiola was the Ambassador of the Milan Expo in 2015 and Art Director of Cassina from September 2015.

Zaven

Zaven is a multi-disciplinary art and design studio, set up in 2006 by Enrica Cavarzan and Marco Zavagno. The brand interacts with a variety of creative and communicative forms to deliver meaningful products and services. These range from mobile-enabled gallery audio guides to micro-architecture platforms for perfumeries and conceptual glass tableware. The award-winning studio tries to define and explore the purpose of human and design interaction by intertwining graphic, product and installation methods. Zaven has shown in Italy and abroad, at the Kalmar Konstmuseum, at the Triennale in Milan, several times at the London Design Festival and Designer Days in Paris. Their clients include, Tod’s, FontanaArte and Mercedes.

Federico Pepe

Pepe is a creative director, advertiser, artist, graphic designer and filmmaker. He is the founder of Le Dictateur, a multifaceted e-commerce and editorial website, Pepe is equally renowned for his frequent collaborations with artists such as Maurizio Cattelan, Pierpaolo Ferrari, Nico Vascellari, and designers like the fore mentioned Patricia Urquiola. Pepe’s key interest is how the communication process can be shaped, fully aware that the act of designing is increasingly an intertwining of disciplines. Pepe is able to initiate and build relationships and experiences between brands and educated enough to move between different practices.

Iconic Products

‘Chipo’ Rug

The ‘Chipo’ rug is inspired by traditional African masks. Made by Zaven for cc-tapis, it features a lively amalgamation of colours and shapes. Made from hand-knotted Himalayan wool in Nepal, the rug captures the energy of African artefacts in a refined way.

‘Boyaketekka’ Rug

The ‘Boyaketekka’ rug was designed by Federico Pepe as part of the ‘Signature’ collection for cc-tapis. His trademark playfulness is transferred to the hand-knotted rugs with aplomb. Silk and wool are blended with bold graphics and vivid colours for a striking and elegant effect. The rug balances modern and classic aesthetics, with geometric patterns forming a lively design.

‘Visioni A’ Rug

Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Visioni’ rug is part of a two piece collection that seamlessly blends ancient production techniques with a contemporary aesthetic. Hand-woven Himalayan wool rug, featuring bold, abstract graphics defined by sharp black lines, highlighting Urquiola's interest in fusing tradition with modern quirks.

How to shop

Shop via Category:

• Textile & Rugs

Shop via Designer:

• Federico Pepe
• Patricia Urquiola
• Studio Zanellato/Bortotto
• Zaven