During this year’s Frieze LA design festival, Los Angeles-based luxury lifestyle brand The Elder Statesman launched a new collection that once again pays homage to founder Greg Chait’s grandmother, Thelma Chait. Designed in collaboration with rug artist Christopher Farr, the collection of wool floor coverings features pen and ink artwork by his grandmother who originally drew them in the 1960s. The abstracted eyes and figures have since become reoccurring motifs in many of the brand’s designs over the years.
The limited edition collection features a dozen meditation mats in just one size, 3′ x 4.6’. Translating the artwork into this form, Farr’s team of highly-skilled rug artisans in Mirzapur, India, make each rug to order using a centuries-old knot technique. Each one is painstakingly hand-spun, hand-knotted, and takes roughly 20-24 weeks to produce, which is why the designs are priced at $15,000 per piece. At that price, we wouldn’t dare set foot on it, but rather showcase the piece hung proudly for what it is – a work of art within a work of artisanal craft.
Chait and Farr found common ground through their brands’ shared dedication to curating extraordinary textiles with premium natural fibers. The Elder Statesman distinguishes itself by making the majority of its collection within their vertically-integrated arts and crafts haven in the heart of Los Angeles’ Arts District. Here, a devoted team of 50 full-time artisans work together to produce the brand’s unique clothing and accessories. Meanwhile, Farr takes a bespoke approach, meticulously tailoring each rug to order by leveraging the talents of traditional rug artisans in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Together, these visionary collaborators seamlessly weave a narrative of global craftsmanship.
To check out this The Elder Statesman x Christopher Farr collection, visit elder-statesman.com.
