A Carpet of Curiosity
Quirky Curiosity is a new richly patterned wool carpet, boldly coloured and intricate in nature. It joins Alternative’s award-winning collection created in collaboration with some of our best-loved interior decorators, textile artists and design students.
Aamina Desai, the talented mind behind Quirky Curiosity, emerged victorious in Alternative Flooring and British Wool’s prestigious competition, dedicated to celebrating new talent and the richness of British wool. Aamina graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a BA Hons in Textiles Design, Desai brings a fresh interpretation of her South Asian heritage and culture into the heart of homes through this magical carpet woven from wonder fibre.
The competition was part of the Bradford Textile Society‘s annual design competition, with total prize money of over £17,000, is unique in its breadth of coverage and attracts almost 1,000 entries from students throughout the UK.
Established in 1893, the Bradford Textile Society is the oldest textile society in Britain, if not in the world. Despite all the changes which have taken place in the textile industry since its formation, the Society continues to thrive. Its monthly programme of meetings from October to April provides an opportunity for everyone with an interest in textiles to meet and discuss a range of textile-related topics with an invited speaker.
If you are interested in entering Bradford Textiles Society’s 2024 competition, please follow the link here to find the full competition prospectus.
We interviewed Aamina about her design and her plans for the future.
Lorna Haigh creative and marketing director comments
“Working with young design talent is so enriching. The interpretation of the brief always brings originality and innovation. It challenges us all; the individuals and the company to think about what can be achieved in bringing new thinking to textile and n particular textile floorcoverings.
Aamina’s design excitingly looks at diverse influences and different cultures whilst at the same time working to a brief and a set colour palette. Aamina clearly demonstrated her global curiosity when it came to her design – hence the name.
The design is complex and intricate but due to pattern repeat is cleverly workable as wall to wall carpet, as a rug or runner.
We are delighted to showcase this winning design and make it available to purchase from our ‘Exclusive’ area of our website’, allowing new textile design and opportunity to truly shine.”