United Kingdom
Cristian Zuzunaga (b. Barcelona, 1978) is the son of a Peruvian father and a Catalan mother. He gave up his biology studies and his career as a professional model to study Typo/Graphic Design at the London College of Communication followed by an MA at the Royal College of Art in London, where he has lived for more than twenty years. Though the biological studies did not last, the practice of magnifying did–he has always been fascinated by the microscope and the way in which it enables one to magnify an object–and to this day, breaking down patterns and images into their in nitesimal components remains at the core of his work. Cristian’s work is broad in scope–includes photography, video, letterpress, screen printing, sculpture, textile and furniture design–and it is informed by the psychology of colour, architecture and the urban environment, nature, Eastern and Western philosophy, alchemy, anthropology, sociology and the psychology of Carl Gustav Jung. His designs and works of art are re action on and of what it means to be human today. In 2010 he founded Zuzunaga brand, with the desire to create timeless, non-gender speci c and sustainable home and fashion textiles and accessories. Zuzunaga has won major accolades such as the Augustus Martin Award for Best Use of Print, in 2007; Elle Decoration International Design Award for Best Fabric Design, Skyline curtain collection for Kvadrat, in 2011; ICFF New York, 1st Prize for Textiles, Handwoven collection, in 2012 and the Wallpaper Award for Best Pixellation, in 2014. Cristian combines his own manufacturing with collaborative work for companies and institutions like the Tate Gallery, Kvadrat, Camper, Ligne Roset, Fabergé, Nanimarquina and BD Barcelona Design, and also exhibits his work in a number of galleries around the world.
United Kingdom
Doshi Levien was founded by the designers Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien, who met at the Royal College of Art. The London-based studio is internationally renowned for its marriage of culture, technology, industrial design and fine craftsmanship. Nipa grew up in India and studied at the National Institute of Design, founded on the manifesto by Charles and Ray Eames; Jonathan trained in fine cabinet making followed by industrial design. Together, they strive to create work that transcends rational and functional qualities, to imbue a sense of true inner beauty in their projects. Nipa’s practice is rooted in her plural upbringing and astute eye for visual culture; and Jonathan’s in industrial precision, combined with the sensibility of a maker’s hand and deep understanding of materials. The layering of research, materiality, and the tactility of their design process – painting, sculpting, colour making – result in work that is distinguished by their clarity of ideas and seemingly effortless attention to detail. What makes Doshi Levien’s work so distinctive is not just their confident relationship to colour, material and form, but their ability to translate meticulous design ideas to the context of production. This has enabled them to work coherently across industries and categories, from colour to textiles, footwear to lighting, furniture to ceramics, often bringing their understanding of one process to their work on another. The duo have created works for leading manufacturers (B&B Italia, Moroso, Kvadrat, Kettal, Cappellini…), for prestigious international museums and cultural institutions (notably Sevres – Cité de la Céramique), and for their Paris-based gallery: Galerie Kreo.
About Nanimarquina
The idea of blending contemporary design to traditional rugs was well received and in the early 90s nanimarquina embarked on the adventure of outsourcing production to those countries that offered cultural value and unlimited possibilities for rug craftsmanship.
We are a family-owned company, pioneer in the field of contemporary rug design; searching for constant innovation, handcraft techniques, and new materials.
We work with local and international designers to ensure a diversity of themes and experimentation with various textures, materials and shapes. The result: one-of-a-kind nanimarquina rugs for each of our customers. A rug for each space and emotion.
The value of craftsmanship
Innovation is possible when there is a concise understanding of the pas, of traditions and cultures.
We travel the world, uncovering manual techniques, cultural and craft heritage, applying this first-hand knowledge in the creation of our rugs. Rugs are symbolic of history and origins; we research tools, looms, and artisanship to achieve the perfect harmony between our design and the finished product.
We make tradition contemporary.
Social Responsibility
Global conscience. This is a key factor at nanimarquina — actively being aware of others and devising strategies to improve the lives of people in the areas where we produce our rugs.
Our work with organisations such as Care&Fair, or the implementation of initiatives such as the Kala Project, allow us to build a brighter future for those directly involved in the process of producing nanimarquina rugs.
Caring for the environment is one of our key values as a brand. That is why we strive to enhance our work with the use of biodegradable and recycled products, experimenting with the different types of textures they offer.
To go a step further into the fight against environmental degradation, nanimarquina has introduced Eco-wash in the cleansing of our collections: the natural washing product Ecosheen is a biodegradable and free of chemicals multienzyme washing product, while powers the bright colors, shine and softness of each fabric.
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