This February at NY NOW, ATA’s orange walled booth was more spacious and brighter than ever. It exuded creativity and innovation with a blend of subtle earthy hues and vivid colors that created a harmonious background for culture and heritage from different corners of the world. Its fresh new look attracted attention to new collections from Pakistan, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey.
This show was a first for Pakistan’s Indus Heritage Trust’s (IHT) new product lines “Shadow work, Shashiko, Dreamy collection and Grommet collection” produced by IHT artisans under the guidance of ATA’s designers. It was great to see traditional motifs embroidered on pastel scarves and crisp white tone on tone embroidered pillow covers, table runners, cushions and clutch bags in ways that appeal to contemporary taste. The indigo pillows with traditional kantha work made up the “Shashiko” line and was the best seller of the Pakistani products. Veero’s independent initiative with ATA’s guidance to work on a joint project with IHT artisans was a huge success. Its collection had striking pillows that incorporates a traditional stitching technique that filled the entire surface with remarkable detailed embroidery. These innovative pillows with large eye motifs embroidered were Veero’s best sellers and definitely “eye” catching to many visitors.
ATA’s exhibition of Chiapas craft was a mix of gorgeous throws with traditional motifs and hand-loomed pillowcases with a modern touch. The products were a fascinating blend of traditional motifs and modern design–black and white embroidered pillows and pillows with elegant blues and prominent tassels added. ATA’s Chiapas project also exhibited its organic hand-woven striped tablemats for the first time and these were very well received. The brightly colored and versatile pom-poms were a showstopper that brought big smiles from almost everyone who touched them.
Egypt’s Dokkan Craft introduced its new collection of patchwork pillows made in traditional appliqué style using linen and cotton. The colors are inspired by Egypts’ climate reflecting shades of earth tones and glowing sun. Handwoven kilims made of sheep’s wool and cotton stood out in vibrant colors and geometric patterns. Hand-loomed scarves made of 100% Egyptian cotton—with a history going back to Pharaonic times proved to be Dokkan’s best seller at the booth.
This year SOMA Artisans from Turkey introduced gorgeous lace work-embroidered scarves and newly designed clutch bags. The biggest sellers were the stuffed toy Rooster (a big hit since it’s the year of the Rooster) and embroidered purses made with children’s drawings that gave these beautiful creations more meaning and a cultural context. Through the sales of these delicately embroidered bags, SOMA Artisans are raising money for families of miners who lost loved ones in a mining disaster. The SOMA craft provide sustainable income to these struggling families.
