Christian Wijnants x Ashtari Carpets – A Dialogue Between Fashion and Textile Art
Belgian fashion designer Christian Wijnants and the renowned rug atelier Ashtari Carpets have joined forces to create two exceptional, hand-knotted rugs: Carpet White Leaves and Carpet Blue Leaves. This collaboration merges Wijnants' signature design language with the centuries-old craftsmanship of Ashtari, resulting in woven pieces of art that blur the lines between fashion and interior design.
Inspired by an abstract exotic floral print from Wijnants’ summer collection, the rugs are meticulously crafted from wool and silk, embodying the fluidity and organic movement of nature. The designs are available in two distinct versions:
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White Leaves – A serene white background, adorned with softly colored, collage-like torn leaves.
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Blue Leaves – A bold blue backdrop, adding depth and contrast to the fragmented floral elements.
These monumental pieces (275 x 205 cm) can be admired at Ashtari’s showroom, where they stand as a testament to the synergy between contemporary fashion and traditional craftsmanship.
Le Bon Marché x Christian Wijnants x Ashtari Carpets
Beyond their exclusive rug collaboration, Christian Wijnants and Ashtari Carpets partnered once more for a prestigious installation at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris. For the second time, Wijnants was invited by the iconic department store to create an exclusive pop-up corner, bringing his Spring/Summer 2019 collection to life in a multi-sensory environment.
Wijnants' SS19 collection embarks on an imaginary journey from the Middle East to the Far East, drawing inspiration from Silk Road cultures, escapism, and dreamlike illusions. His designs feature bold floral patterns and geometric motifs, woven into printed fabrics and jacquard knits, while a vibrant color palette of layered blues, fresh greens, and soft pinks breathes life into tailored suits, fluid skirts, and oversized silhouettes.
For the Le Bon Marché installation, Wijnants curated a space that reflected his vision of movement, color, and texture. Ashtari Carpets played a crucial role in shaping this immersive experience by creating a gigantic, hand-knotted Persian carpet named "Flowers." This exquisite piece—crafted from wool and silk—translated Wijnants’ floral motifs onto an architectural scale, covering the entire floor of the pop-up.
Additionally, the Dutch design studio HandMade Industrials contributed sculptural furniture, including a striking cobalt blue stool and a minimalist white side table, adding an extra layer of artistic expression to the space.
Each season, Le Bon Marché invites a renowned designer or fashion house to craft a unique installation within their Mode Femme luxury department. Following in the footsteps of Delvaux, Peter Pilotto, and Mary Katrantzou, Christian Wijnants was honored with this prestigious opportunity for the second time—further solidifying his status in the world of high-end fashion and design.
The pop-up, featuring an exclusive selection of Wijnants’ ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories, debuted on May 1st and ran until June 3rd, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into his world of textile innovation and artistic expression.
