Zollanvari International returned to the recent Maison&Objet Paris, September 5 – 9, 2024. Located on one of the main red-carpet aisles in the prestigious FOREVER sector of the fair, the company presented an entirely new stand concept, with a featured artist presentation and the debut of its new Zollanvari International Contract Collection. RUG INSIDER spoke with Ramin Zollanvari just ahead of this weekend's COVER Connect NY about this exciting and diverse production.
RI: Tell us about the new production you are working on—specifically, the construction, color trends and textures used and why?
RZ: We have started working with two new designers who are pushing us and our weavers to reach new heights! The first carpet created by Lőrincz V. Gabi, a Hungarian designer/artist, was shown at the September edition of Maison&Objet Paris.
We launched two exciting new designs by Francesco Roggero of the original Designer’s Studio 6R5 Network (who produced the captivating Ombra del Leone for our 75th anniversary) are now in production. And we are about to launch our first Contract Collection in Paris—Zollanvari International Contract—with a carefully curated selection of rugs and samples geared towards the hospitality and contract markets.
Ombra del Leone 1B, Studio Original Designers 6R5 Network Milan, Zollanvari Super Fine Gabbeh, designed by Francesco Roggero for Zollanvari’s 75th anniversary
Zollanvari International Contract’s launch designs are inspired by the award-winning Couture Collection originally conceived by SoFarSoNear Studio Milan x Zollanvari’s Kundan Silk line. These carpets are available in custom and bespoke colors and designs, with optimum delivery times.
Tulis, Zollanvari Super Fine Gabbeh quality (above left) is one of two designs by Francesco Roggero of Studio Original Designers 6R5 Network Milan for Zollanvari which debuted at Maison&Objet Paris. Glass Window (right) is by featured designer Lőrincz V. Gabi x Zollanvari. “I am passionate about my profession ... it fills me with excitement as a design is born from the threads under my hands,” says Gabi. maison-objet.com
RI: COVER Connect New York (CCNY) is right around the corner—what are your thoughts, plans, and expectations of the show now that it has many more exhibitors?
RZ: I am very positive and excited. At CCNY we’ll continue to show new colorways of existing designs, plus a few surprises. It’s an opportunity to get in touch with new clients.
RI: How will you set yourself apart at Cover Connect and beyond?
RZ: Through color and our unique home décor collection!
RI: What are some company goals you have this year that you can share with the industry?
“We are working very hard to improve our internal working processes. We plan to use 21st-century digital technology much more to our advantage.“ RAMIN ZOLLANVARI, ZOLLANVARI
RZ: We are working very hard to improve our internal working processes. We plan to use 21st-century digital technology much more to our advantage … to set us apart from other producers and keep us ahead of our competitors. Plans are underway for a state-of-the-art website to be launched late in 2025, and of course, there is no end to our innovative approach to turning classical tribal designs from all weaving traditions into contemporary classics for the future.
RI: What trends do you see taking shape in the industry? Any trends slowing down or falling off altogether?
RZ: There is a lot of uncertainty around the world because of conflicts and politics. Therefore, consumption in almost any field has decreased. People have less money to spend. So, we don’t think that they will continue to spend a lot of money only for design. People start to pay more and more attention to quality. This is where our products come into play.
RI: What other international events will you be participating in this year?
RZ: We are very excited to participate at the Maison&Objet January 2025 edition in this new stand setup.
In October, we will invite Ghashgha’i nomads to Switzerland and hold events in locations and showrooms of lots of diverse Zollanvari representatives. And we have a very exciting in-house event this year with many interesting guests and speakers.
Below Left: Zollanvari will show a variety of runners in new designs at Maison&Objet Paris. The power house Squares & Lozanges 1, is from the Squares Revisited/Gabbehs Geometric Collection. Herringbone Couture (right) is part of the new Zollanvari International Contract Collection.
RI: What do you see for the future of Zollanvari?
RZ: The big word would be: diversification. With the introduction of our new line, we believe we will be able to target a new clientele. We are planning several exciting events and are constantly working on how we can extend our brand and how we present our new designs. Since we firmly believe that our story makes us unique.
