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ATLANTA -- As top U.S. rug vendors gear up for the start of the 2016 selling season, they are banking on a number of product development strategies to start the year on a strong note. Value is the buzzword with many rug suppliers, who are introducing fashion-forward volume-priced machine-made rugs that pair design and durability at a great price.
Others are banking on designs that appeal to buyers seeking something more precious or personal. For example, Dynamic Rugs is introducing a hand-painted viscose rug called Artisan and HRI is debuting a limited edition machine-made collection with designs pulled from its archives of antiques.
And still others, such as Nourison and Jaipur, are balancing strong portfolios of their own branded lines with coveted designer licensing programs to kick start the New Year. Safavieh and Surya, two companies that have expanded their reach beyond the floor, anticipate their cross-merchandising programs will continue to be a draw for buyers seeking the coordination and convenience of a one-stop shopping experience.
RugNews.com presents the newest rug designs and colors in our two-part fashion guide to the Atlanta International Rug Market.
AMER RUGS
Amer will introduce the Henna collection at its newly remodeled Atlanta showroom. The rugs feature traditional motifs in on point colorways.
East meets west in Amer Rugs' new Henna Collection debuting at the January 2016 Atlanta International Rug Market. The company is launching 10 designs inspired by the striking motifs of Vedic henna tattoos in hand-tufted New Zealand wool pile with art silk highlights ($499 in the 5x8).
The rugs feature classic symbols adapted in scale and pattern layout for floor covering, and updated with a fashion palette of blues, grays and beige tones. Amer will have two professional henna tattoo artists on hand at their showroom each day of market to adorn customers with the classic designs. (Read full story).
Additionally, Amer will introduce seven new hand-tufted and hand-loomed collections in Atlanta, as part of a continuing strategy to build its presence in the mid-price range. The company, which had previously focused exclusively on hand-knotted rugs, grew sales significantly in 2015 with its foray into the high-quality hand-tufted category. AmericasMart, 1-5D-2
AMERICAN DAKOTA
From the new Johnny D range by American Dakota, Life Path enlivens the rustic lodge look.
American Dakota expand its running line lodge and southwest rug collections with the introduction of 19 new designs in Atlanta, and will launch a new lodge-inspired range called the Johnny D collection. The new patterns in existing collections retail from $299 to $369 in 5x8 and are made in Georgia from EnduraStran nylon. The Johnny D range, which includes designs Life Path and Sacred Trail, are machine made of nylon and have no restrictions on prices so stores can set their own retails.
American Dakota will also present new rugs featuring the art of Randy L. Barton, a Diné (Navajo) artist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Read full story). AmericasMart, 1-7C-22.
BOKARA RUG
Bokara returns to Atlanta market and showcases contemporary lines. Shown, a design from the Windsom collection.
Bokara Rug, after an absence of several years, announces its return to the Atlanta International Area Rug Market (read story).
"We felt that with the introductions of our new contemporary ranges and the interest they have received from the trade, that this was the right time to return to Atlanta," Bokara founder Jan Soleimani tells RugNews.com. The company also recently announced a new warehouse that doubled its footprint to 100,000 square feet.
Bokara Rug will continue to focus on its contemporary lines, including Canvas Art Select, made in Pakistan. Featuring vivid contemporary designs, the collection is hand knotted from a combination of fine wools and silk. It is also adding to its Vintage collection of hand-knotted traditional designs reinterpreted for today's look and colors. Bokara will show new styles in the cut and loop pile Windsom collection, hand knotted in India of wool with art silk highlights, and the high-low, hand loomed 6000 range of contemporary patterns in updated neutral tones in wool and linen. AmericasMart, 1-3D-7
CAPEL RUGS
Capel introduces eight new collections at Atlanta, and showcases the stunning Izmir range in fashion colors.
"The great momentum of the last six months of 2015 will carry into 2016," notes Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts. "Buyer enthusiasm from our fantastic and successful October High Point Market is what we expect to see in January, and beyond!"
A major success story, the Izmir collection features a superior hand-tufted construction of pure wool suitable for high traffic areas. Offered in classic designs called Afghan, Persian Cedars, Serapi and Ziegler, the collection updates traditional styling with trend-right colors. A 5' x 8' rug may retail for $849.
Capel Rugs is introducing eight new collections, in a range of price points, styles and constructions, at the January markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas, and growing its celebrity designer Genevieve Gorder collaboration with new designs like Kahlo, inspired by the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Flat- woven in India of wool Kahlo is offered in three colorways: raven, sapphire and smoke. Sizes include: 3x5, 5x8, 7x9 and 8x11. MSRP is $449 in 5x8.
Being presented for the first time is the floral, pure wool pile Botanicum range. Available in three colorways: grey, black and mushroom. Sizes include 5x8, 8x10 and 9x12. MSRP, $499 in 5x8. Also new is the woven jacquard Cosmic line, crafted in India of 100 percent polyester. It features two planetary designs, Abstract and Patchwork, and four colors: Abstract in grey/purple and natural, and Cosmic Patchwork in silver/black and blue/grey. Sizes include: 5x8', 8x10 and 9x12'. MSRP $249 in 5x8.
Capel also adds to its top-selling line of all-weather rugs with the debuting Finesse Heirloom and Finesse Tile. Made in Belgium of 100 percent Olefin, this collection is available in two designs and seven colorways. Suggested retail, in 5'3" x 7'6" is $149. Also, new to market is the pure New Zealand felted wool Pebbles collection, made in India, is being offered in teal and wine. Sizes include 2x3, 4x6, 5x8, 7x9 and 8x11, with a suggested retail of $899 n 5x8.
Capel also premiers the Wilton weave Quarry range, machine made of 100 percent Olefin yarns in Belgium. Featured in four designs, and six colorways: glitter, sterling, stone, moon, sand and camel; sizes include: 3'11" x 5'6", 5'3" x 7'6", 7'10" x 10'10". A 5'3" x 7'6" rug may retail for $299. AmericasMart, 1-3C-15
COMPANY C
The new Water Lilies design from Company C is hand-tufted of wool and bamboo viscose and embellished with hand-hooking and embroidery ($1,195 in 5x9).
Company C launches an extremely broad range of designs in spring and summer 2016 collections at the upcoming Atlanta home furnishings market. The diverse selection is inspired by hand-painted brush strokes and "modern traditions with a twistÂ". The offering comprises 118 new designs of rugs, bedding and bath, draperies, pillows, throws, and fabrics for which Company C officials report an overwhelming initial response.
With this launch, Company C builds on its signature rug and pillow collections in a wide variety of styling and material options. "Our customers look to us not only for our color expertise but also our inventive and unique use of texture, pattern and materials. Each and every piece in the collection exemplifies our determination to meet and surpass these expectations,"says Company C co-founder, Christine Chapin. AmericasMart, 1-9A-20
COURISTAN
Couristan celebrates its ninetieth year with new collections like Tenali (shown), a special anniversary rug line and a party on Jan. 14.
Couristan celebrates its ninetieth anniversary at the January 2016 edition of the Atlanta International Rug Market with a Roaring Twenties Party from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Jan. 14 and a special 26 percent-off discount on all orders written at the party (offer valid 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
In honor of its founding in 1926, the company is also unveiling a Ninetieth Anniversary collection at market. "It's going to be a combination of different qualities, different designs and colors in residential rugs and broadloom," Ron Couri tells RugNews.com. "Rug pricing in the Ninetieth Anniversary Collection will cover a range of Couristan price points --low, moderate and high, which at Couristan means up to $5,000 for an 8 x 11."
The debuting Tenali collection, which is hand-knotted in China of 100 percent New Zealand wool, features washed traditional patterns with a modern twist in a cool color palette. Tenali is stocked in fringed sizes 2'x 4', 5'6" x 8'9", 8' x 11'3", 9'6" x 13'6' and a 2'3" x 8'3" runner. Suggested retail for the 5'6" x 8'9" is $ 1,499.
Couristan also premieres the Amara collection of blended wool and viscose in a soft color palette with pops of sheen. The line is hand-tufted in India in a range of geometric patterns. Amara is stocked in unfringed sizes 2'x4', 5'x8', 8'x10' and a 2'3"x 7'10" runner. Suggested retail for 5x8 is $349. AmericasMart, 1-6D-11
DYNAMIC RUGS
The debuting Artisan collection by Dynamic Rugs is hand made of viscose, and each unique rug is hand painted in India by a master artist.
Dynamic Rugs is introducing several new collections at the Atlanta 2016 winter market, including the hand-painted, abstract design Artisan collection. Featuring a brand new construction, each handmade Artisan rug is hand painted by a master artist in India. A mix of delicate strokes and intricate layers, the range brings together pops of bold color and soft silver hues. Made from 100 percent viscose, the soft pile rugs are available in three patterns and four colorways. Suggested retail is $24 per square foot.
The debuting Venice collection, with is distressed vintage designs, is made of an all-viscose pile that adds a soft touch to Venice. Available in six patterns and 14 colorways, the line is machine made in Turkey with a suggested retail price of $10 per square foot. Also fresh to market is Prism, machine made in Turkey of 100 percent vices. The contemporary collection mixes brilliant colors, shimmering contemporary designs, and a drop-stich carving effect to add texture. Available in six patterns and 13 colorways with an MSRP ranges from $10 per square foot to $24 per square foot.
Also on display will be the new Heirloom range: a hand-crafted wool rug featuring small patterns and textured surfaces. Made in India of flat pile braided wool yarns, which are e multi space dyed, a mix colors into the textures give Heirloom a sweater-type look. Available in three patterns and nine colorway, the range is expected to retail for $12 per square foot.
Initially presented during fall market, Kingston will debut in its full collection of five patterns and 15 colorways at the winter markets. Mixing a high sheen viscose with a heavy durable pile of a polypropylene construction, Kingston merges modern and traditional motifs for any space. Machine made in Turkey of 50 percent polypropylene and 50 percent viscose, the ranges carries an MSRP of $10 per square foot.
Lastly, the Silky Shag range gets revamped in updated solid colors and contemporary patterns. Silky Shag features an extremely soft pile and is now offered in vibrant geometric motifs. Available in eight patterns, 16 colorways, the rugs are machine-made in Turkey of micro-fiber. MSRP is $11 per square foot. AmericasMart, 1-3A-11
F.J. KASHANIAN
Brilliant use of color is a hallmark of F.J. Kashanian, which will present a broad assortment of looks in Atlanta, including its best-selling Over-dyed collection rugs.
Doubling up its show circuit this January, F.J. Kashanian will present new designs at the Atlanta International Rug Market, and later in the month at NY Now. The company expects brisk business on its popular one of a kind, overdyed wool rugs in vibrant colors, especially in saturated blues, purples and brilliant pinks.
According to Jonathan Kashanian, the company also expects to do well with its Sari Wool and Sari Silk collections, in designs adapted from vintage Suzanis, Ikats and a global potpourri of influences. New Jersey-based F.J. Kashanian will display a range of looks from the Modern Luxury collection of transitional designs, to classic Peshawars and Khotans. AmericasMart 1-4G-4
FRENCH ACCENTS
Hand-knotted Oushak designs assume a fresh new look in winter market introductions from French Accents featuring chic grey grounds and fashion colors.
General manager Danny Shafiian of French Accents predicts neutrals, greys and blues will remain strong in 2016, but in debuting Oushak designs with grounds in these popular tones, pops of jewel tones and pastels add a fresh fashion look to classic patterns. The company will launch Asian Reserves, an exclusive new hand-knotted range at Atlanta International Rug Market, and will show the new Highland plaid rugs previewed at High Point Market in October 2015.
French Accents will unveil new flatweave designs and best sellers from existing collections, including Retro Classics, which blends old and new in a mix of traditional weaving techniques and classical Persian designs in modern colors. Other best sellers include the cut and loop Nepalese Bespoke range in wool and silk with varying pile heights for dimensionality. "Designers were also impressed with our new Aubussons in classical patterns but in neutral tones. We combine linen, cotton, silk and wool in three or four shades of a color to create a skeleton design with depth and definition coming from the luster and tone of the yarns," Shafiian says. AmericasMart 1-4E-18
HOMEFIRES RUGS
Jewel tones update a Homefires floral hand-hooked floral accent rug to debut at Atlanta market.
Atlanta-based Homefires presents a range of new accent rugs at the Dugan Bliss space 1701 at AmericasMart in Atlanta and the Collective Home showroom at Las Vegas Market. The rug maker will debut its new indoor-outdoor hand-hooked Tahitian Stripe (PP-HF037) collection in polypropylene in 22" x 34", 3x5, 5x7, 8x10, and a 26" x 60" ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂrunner. Wholesale prices start at $22.50 and go up to $350.
In the same price range and sizes, the company will also introduce indoor outdoor floral bordered rugs with solid fields, a nautical plaid design with rope motif, and 2x3 accent novelties such as a blue heron rug and vivid floral.
Homefires also makes its area rugs and accent rugs available for purchase online by approved retailers at www.homefiresrugs.com.
HRI
HRI will launch Mastercraft, a cross-woven Wilton collection with limited-edition Persian designs with up to 16 colors. Retail is $600 in 5x8.
Harounian Rugs International enters 2016 with a bang after posting strong increases business. "2015 was terrific: we have seen double-digit increases at every market [we participated in] this year," says Greg Jordt, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "Our strong market performances have translated into not only a double-digit increase in our total 2015 business, but also a tremendous increase of interest in HRI by new accounts. This momentum and broadening of our customer base bodes very well for our business going into 2016"
Last year HRI began a special promotion called "50 Shades of Grey"; heading into the New Year it will offer a selection of rugs marketed as "We've Got the Blues," based on Robert Allen Fabrics' 2016 Designer Color of the Year, Batik Blue.
The "hugely successful" Premier collection will feature new addition PR-44 in smoke for winter markets. A special wash process lends each rug a soft hazy patina, and colorations include soft blues, grays, creams and silver. Programmed in sizes 6x9, 8x10, 9x12, 10x14 and 12x15, the MSRP in 6x9 is $2,150.
In addition, HRI will be introducing a range of offerings from high-end wool and silk contemporaries, to mid-range textured transitional looks featuring unique sheering and finishing washes.
Testing the waters with its first high end machine made collection, HRI introduces Mastercraft, featuring classic Persian designs that look and feel like hand-knotted rugs, but are made of very dense, finely spun polyester fiber, produced on a cross woven Wilton loom. (Read story). Mastercraft is being offered in four designs and colors available in limited quantities in sizes ranging from 3x5 to 10x14. MSRP in 5x8 is $650.
HRI also introduces Grammercy, a hand knotted range from India crafted of 100 percent New Zealand wool. With classic antique Oushak designs, rugs are luster-washed to soft smoky colorations in greys, blues and beige. Available in sizes include 6x9, 8x10, 9x12 and 10x14. MSRP in 6x9 is $1,300.
The new limited-production Sensation series ($3,800 suggested retail in 6x9) is hand knotted of finely spun New Zealand wool and silk. "This construction is very limited and we bring all the rugs available to each market," Jordt explains. "The designs and colors are always different; we sell out of this ever-changing collection at every market, so buyers should come early to make their selection." AmericasMart, 5-C-10
JAIPUR
Jaipur continues to add to its new Kate Spade New York program and its award-winning Chaos Theory line which includes Bandi, shown.
After the much anticipated debut last fall of the Kate Spade New York Home licensed collection, Jaipur, maker of the fashion lifestyle brand's rugs, pillows and throws, continues the momentum with fresh styles. In rugs, Kate Spade adds several designs including Astor, an easy-care, hand-loomed graphic collection in 100 percent wool that is looped and cut to create texture and definition. Available in a three designs: Bow Tiles, Rose Garden and Hampton Stripe.
"2015 has been one of the most exciting years to date for Jaipur, including the addition of our new creative director, Li Kurczewski, who is spearheading the company's fresh new creative direction that can be seen in every brand touchpoint--"from the catalog and showroom experience to the trend stories that have truly elevated our collections," says Jaipur's Shahrzad Nadizadeh. "It will be a year of custom colors, exclusive constructions and a truly engaging customer experience. Think: art world meets the world of floor covering. It's going to be an exciting year marked by a growing interest in what Jaipur strives to do best--creating beautiful, high-quality home decor products."
With a ridged, textural surface, Alfa pairs 50 percent hand-tufted wool, and 50 percent art silk to create a rugged, striated effect. The range features a plush pile and a lustrous finish as a counterpoint. Available in a three neutral shades of elephant skin, pumice stone and candied ginger.
Jaipur will also ramp up its designer hand-knotted offerings at winter markets with Bandi and Thea from the Chaos Theory by Kavi collection, which is inspired by the chaos in nature and crafted of hand-carded wool and bamboo silk. New additions to the high-end Kavi range will also be shown at Domotex 2016 in Hannover, Germany this month.
In addition, Jaipur adds fresh pickings to its broad assortment of home accessories, including two pillow designs from the Yorkville collection by Kate Spade New York: Double Stripe of 100 percent cotton in 20 inch or 32 inches square, and Sequin Leopard, made of linen in a 16 inch square size. AmericasMart showroom, 1-12F-9
JAUNTY
Jaunty focuses on color and texture with designs such as Tuscany in Twilight.
Kami Navid of Los Angeles-based Jaunty Co. says color and texture will continue to drive rug sales in 2016 and is responding with "unique textures that give the more perceived value, and enhance the fashion appeal of decorating environments." At winter editions of Atlanta and Dallas Market (where Jaunty is shown at the Lloyd Humphries World Trade Center space 10062), new collections include Capella, Newport and Tuscany.
Capella features casual styling and a modern look as a result of a unique hand-shearing process that creates a looped and cut pile finish. The line is hand tufted in India of wool pile with accents of viscose.
The Newport collection features distinctive hand-carved motifs and is hand tufted in India of wool pile in vivid statement-making designs and fashion colors.
Tuscany is hand tufted with a combination of looped and cut pile to create a unique texture in wool pile with accents of viscose. Designs feature a palette of soft tones and transitional patterns. All three new collections are available in sizes from 3'6" x 5'6" to 9' 6" x 13'. Newport and Tuscany are also offered in rounds and runners. AmericasMart, 1-5-F-1; Dallas World Trade Center showroom, Lloyd Humphries & Associates, Space 10062.
KALATY
Look for traditional Oushak designs updated with fashion-right vintage colors in Kalaty's pure wool Kozan collection.
Kalaty opens the New Year with several new collections set for winter 2016 release, and new additions to popular running lines that will be unveiled at the Atlanta International Rug Market. A series of new designs in multi-level motifs have been added to the Avalon collection, a contemporary loop and pile range that is hand knotted in a Lori-Loom weave in a combination of premium wool and Silkette, Kalaty's trademarked name for bamboo silk. Made in India, Avalon rugs retail at $1,000 in 6x9.
A number of traditional Oushak designs elevated with fresh styling and colors have been added to the Kozan collection. Hand-knotted in a Turkish knot weave in India, Kalaty's Kozan rugs are crafted of 100 percent premium hand-spun wool in a palette of soft, vintage-inspired colorways. At once high-fashion and classic, the rugs retail at $2,950 in 6x9. AmericasMart, 1-4-G14
KALEEN
This Art Deco-inspired Solitaire collection rug, new from Kaleen, gives the look of hand-knotted Tibetan rugs at a friendly price point: $499 suggested retail in 5' x 7'9".
Handmade and machine-made rug manufacturer Kaleen goes to winter market with new collections and extensions of exiting lines. Debuting in January is the Montage collection, expected to retail for $399 in 5'x7'9". Hand tufted in India of 100 percent wool, Montage features a loop and cut pile for extra dimension and texture. Montage includes 24 patterns, ranging from contemporary to traditional in patterns from floral to global.
The brand new Mercery, hand-tufted in India of 100 percent wool and viscose, features Ikat, global, and subtle vanishing patterns. Suggested retail is $759 in 5' x 7'9".
Melange a new transitional range hand tufted in India of 100 percent wool includes traditional, geometric and stenciled patterns and retails for $299 in 5' x 7'9".
Middleton, a classic collection inspired by the Duchess it is named after, premiers at market. Hand tufted in India of wool, suggested retail is $299 in 5' x 7'9".
Additionally, the handmade in India Solitaire range, made of wool and viscose, offers buyers the high-end look of hand-knotted Tibetan rugs at a friendly price point: $499 suggested retail in 5' x 7'9".
The extensive Habitat indoor-outdoor collection of 240 rugs ($299 retail in 5' x7'6") gets updated with Globally and Boho. Habitat is handmade in China with 100 percent polypropylene and finished with "K-Stop" non-skid backing.
Tara Round is a collection of hand-tufted wool round rugs that now adds a 5'9" x 5'9" ($399 suggested retail) option. Made in India, the collection is available in five sizes ranging from a 3'9" round to 11'9" round. AmericasMart, 1-3C-9
KARASTAN
Karastan highlight the best-selling Spice Market collection (Myanmar shown), in addition to exclusive new offerings.
At Atlanta market, Karastan will introduce a limited-edition rug that recreates its iconic Multi Panel Kirman design in an updated grey palette as part of the company's Artisan collection (read story). Called Panel Kirman Granite, the rug will be launched at a Mugs N' Suds event on Jan.13, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.