Phila
Phila is a rug designed and developed for the Zuiver collection as part of the Zuiver x ELLE Decoration Scholarship 2021.
Designed to balance and soften the straight lines of modern architecture, the hand-finished, organic shape and its harmonious mix of matte and shiny yarns successfully create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
The design was conceived during a deep dive into the industrial weaving limitations in a weaving mill in Belgium, challenging production constraints to create a high-end commercial product.
Phila is available worldwide through Zuiver.com.
Industrial Constraints as Creative Catalyst
The genesis of Phila occurred during the Zuiver x ELLE Decoration Scholarship, where I spent a month immersed in a production facility in Belgium. The goal was to experience the design development process from A-Z and design a commercial textile product.
Inspiration emerged not just from the possibilities of the industrial environment, but specifically from the restrictions imposed by the weaving process and the industrial loom itself. The design became a delicate process of balancing creative imagination with what was practically achievable.
Available in Terra and Blue via Zuiver.com
Material Handling and Design Solution
The available yarn palette was limited, consisting only of two different materials: a thin matte yarn and a thicker shiny yarn. A crucial design challenge was carefully mixing these two fibres across the rug's surface to ensure a comfortable and even texture. This process resulted in two beautiful colorways: a warm, natural Terra and a fresh, calming Blue.
The rug's non-standard, organic shape presented an even greater production challenge, necessitating a hand-finished edge. This shape is intentionally designed to counteract the common straight lines found in modern interior architecture, thereby injecting warmth and softness into the living space.
Availability and Specifications
Phila successfully translated complex textile research and unique hand-finishing requirements into a commercially viable product. The design is now a feature in the Zuiver collection, available for purchase worldwide and sold directly via Zuiver.com.
Client/Collection: Zuiver (Zuiver Group)
Design Context: Zuiver x ELLE Decoration Scholarship 2021
Availability: Available worldwide via Zuiver.com.