Artisan designs

AVI selects one of a kind handmade natural artisan textiles packed with history from around the globe. The fabrics are traditional, original, elegant and are part of a heritage. They all have a story to tell. The designs are one of a kind and unique, whether it’s a new piece or a transformation of an existing one. AVI adds craftsmanship and uniqueness to every customized piece of furniture or accessory and gives sustainability a new meaning.

Mud cloth - Mali

As a lover of black & white patterns, I was thrilled to find these Mud cloths from Mali, also known as African Bogolanfini fabric.

Mud cloth is made out of 100% Malian cotton, which is traditionally dyed with fermented mud. The process of making the patterns takes quite some time by using a special mud that is collected from riverbeds after its been fermented for up to a year in a clay jar. The beautiful graphic patterns appear after a chemical reaction has taken place between the mud and dyed cloth, resulting in this one of a kind fabric.

I especially love to combine these Mud cloths with a classic interior. They’re graphic, yet timeless and blend in well in almost every home.

Ashoke cloth - Nigeria

I found these beautiful wrappers during my stay in Tanzania.

The name Ashoke literally means “top cloth” and by origin it's a ceremonial dress, worn on special occasions such as weddings and funerals to showcase prestige and wealth.”

The cloths are made out of woven cotton, rayon and wild silk. These fabrics go well with natural materials, such as marble and wood and because of the neutral colours they are also perfect to combine with many interior styles.



Seeing this wide range of variations and rich colours inspired me to use them for different interior settings. 

Shoowa mat - Congo

When in Kenya, I discovered this so called Raffia cloth. 

In the Kakuba villages they are using them as mats to sit on.

What I love about the textile, is that you often can't find a consistent pattern. The minimalistic variation in the details give it a playful effect and a unique design. The technique is a variation of rectangular or square pieces of woven palm leafs fiber, which is similar to a cut pile carpet.

I like to use the Shoowa mats as big cushions to sit on and decorate the couch, bed, or floor with.