Shibori is an Australian textile and design company based in Sydney founded by Karen Davis and Pepa Martin in 2005.  Karen and Pepa worked together with a passion for colour and texture using cloth as their medium to create patterns based on modernised ancient techniques of resist dyeing. 

As leaders in the modern Shibori movement, Karen Davis and Pepa Martin have published two books--Shibori Recreated in 2011 and Tie Dip Dye by Thames and Hudson in 2014. They have also offered numerous workshops that foster the Shibori community and ensure that the art form continues to flourish. “We are excited to offer these workshops, where participants can discover the beauty of shibori and learn how to create their own pieces”. 

The Cadence Collection features 7 distinct designs, each showcasing Shibori’s signature aesthetic. The subtle nuances within each design translate beautifully in each rug offering delicate transitions in shade, shimmer and texture.

A subtle gradation of textural colour replicates the layers of a mountain landscape. Lighter hues represent distant peaks, gradually deepening into richer, darker colours to evoke rugged mountain terrain.  

Designer Rugs (DR): Cadence features a collection of rugs that play with rhythm and energy and the relationship of colour and texture. What was your overall inspiration for the collection?

Shibori (S): When given the opportunity to collaborate with Designer Rugs a plethora of ideas, colours and textures came to mind.  There was so much to consider with scale and how the rug would complement a space.  We decided to put together designs that were subtle and textural to allow the tuff and fibres of the rug equal place in the limelight and not just the colours. 

DR: Can you share with us the influence behind your approach to dyeing fabric and how it translates into the distinct designs for each rug? Were there any cultural influences/narratives that played a role in shaping your designs?

S: We have always been strong believers in the 15th-century Japanese philosophy of “wabi-sabi” - an aesthetic that finds beauty in things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. We try to carry it forward by being our true selves, creating within our design aesthetic, not trying to be what we are not. Appreciating beauty in the moment and seeing the beauty and uniqueness of imperfect outcomes.

DR: What was your creative process when it came to creating these rug designs? 

S: This collection explores different Shibori techniques and our variations of them. Christine at Designer Rugs is an outstanding designer, and we feel very lucky to be able to explore different ways of imagining our designs in rugs using her knowledge of this craft. Via layers of colour and diverse fibres that highlight the design, we aim to produce a collection that is both subtle and complementary without overwhelming the overall interior.

DR: Which design is your favourite and why?

Karen:  Love Note is my favourite.  I was so taken aback by the different levels and textures and the way it performed from different angles as the light touched the surface. I remember creating this pattern with silk and dye and never could have imagined it would translate into such a beautiful rug. 

Pepa: There are different elements I love in each of the rugs and subconsciously I am thinking of my spaces and where each would go. I remember the feeling I had when I first saw the dip dye rug as it gave me goosebumps.  The way each little tonal change that was on the fabric was given a place to shine on the rug was beautiful to see.  This is no simple feat, capturing those minor differences is true craftsmanship and I appreciate how much went into that and yet it seems so simple.  

DR: Achieving a balance between functionality and artistic expression is crucial in creating rugs. How do you navigate this delicate equilibrium, ensuring that your pieces not only serve a practical purpose but also stand out as unique and visually captivating works of art? 

S: Quality comfort and longevity. Design is an experience to live and engage with. Art doesn’t have to be hung on a wall and by incorporating it into your spaces can change the way you feel and the way you think within that space.  It can evoke creative energy, healing energy and a feeling of calm without having to change your destination. We believe our rug collection can work in any space. 

The collaboration with Designer Rugs marks a significant milestone for Shibori, as they venture into the realm of bespoke rug design. The debut collection features seven distinct designs, each showcasing Shibori’s signature aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from wabi-sabi, each design reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty found in the imperfect and the transient.  Explore the full collection now.

Visit a Designer Rugs’ showroom in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland and or view the Cadence Collection online