PAO Thoughts

Moroccan rugs have been woven by indigenous / Berber people since the Paleolithic era. Woven for utilitarian purposes by tribal people with no artistic training. Since Berbers are mainly farmers and animal breeders their spiritual beliefs maintained that the wool itself is a gift from heaven and embodies protective powers over evil spirits. These rugs are produced at home and taken to the weekly market "Souk" and offered for sale. Rugs of the high Atlas are thicker, less colorful & mainly woven for sleeping on the ground; which is why these rugs are mainly 5x10 or 6x12. The regions colder climate has less vegetation therefor fewer dyes available. These...

What exactly is this "PomPom" art we have been creating with fellow rug enthusiasts? Our friend Michael Christie of The Ruggist, has challenged rug lovers across the world to a "Tableaux de PomPoms" by taking their ARS color samples & creating every day objects. Giving us some color inspiration during quarantine. #tableauxdepompoms Paige & Ruggist editor Michael Christie "Bread and Roses" By Catherine Bertulli Carpets "Eat Your Greens" By Iwan Maktabi "All that Glitters is Not Gold" By Michael Christie "Coffee Time" By Battilossi "Oh, Canada" By Michael Christie "Eye Spy in Blue" By Paige Albright "Don't Drink the Kool-Aid" By Anna Augusto of Augusto...

Anatolian: Turkish, OushakAnatolian translates to "land of the rising sun" and is a general term referring to things made in Turkey.Antique Oushak rugs have been woven in Western Turkey in a town of the same name since the beginning of the Ottoman period (15th-17th century). In the middle of the 19th century Oushak (an area south of Istanbul) re-emerged as a major oriental rug weaving center for Turkey. Istanbul is the gateway to the famous silk route including both Eastern and Western cultures. The roads from the west stretch from Istanbul to China, the Caucasus, Iran/ Persia, Afghanistan and Central Asia. Open trade gave way to shared motifs and design formats. However...

Carpet weaving has been woven by hand for centuries and follows ancient cultural traditions. This allows millions of people to earn a living and maintain their heritage. The weavers are the industries most effected by COVID-19 & the current global crisis. Located in rural areas with limited resources and mainly home based workers.Agencies such as Label Step, Turquoise Mountain & Good Weave have stepped in.PAO has been in contact with both Turquoise Mountain & Label Step, making it a priority for us to donate & help them as much as possible. We work with these companies alongside  our manufacturers in supporting weavers and workers primarily in Afghanistan, Nepal, India and Pakistan. Label Step, a fair trade organization committed...

Kaftan is a Persian word meaning robe or tunic and has been worn in a number of cultures around the world for thousands of years. Styles vary from culture to culture.  Worn by both men and women primarily in hot climates. The kaftans loose silhouette allows for proper ventilation therefor lowering the body temperature.  The kaftan has lent itself well to all decades of fashion whether it be casual or evening attire. By 1966 Vogue described the caftan as an essential garment, giving an exotic air of well traveled orientalism. "Bohemian Mystique."Here at PAO we love the easy to wear yet fashionable comfort of a kaftan, making it a staple in our wardrobe. Cheers to kaftan comfort today and everyday! ...