Earlier this week we introduced you to Susan Gomersall, the field expert of traditional textiles and the woman behind Anichini's newest collection. Now we're going to give you a sneak peek at the collection,Tribal Tales, which will be previewed at DDB Fall Market, along with her book Tribal Tales in Wool.
GDG: Can you tell us about the collection for Anichini?
SG: The first selections of rugs that will be available at Anichini are all made with unbleached, un-dyed wool. There are examples from Iran, Turkey and Morocco. I chose to show these first because they exemplify the ingenuity of the nomadic weaver. Dyes were expensive and these pieces show how to make something amazing with nature.
GDG: How did you and Susan Dollenmaier (founder of Anichini) meet?
SG: I came to live in America in 1985 and met Susan Dollenmaier a couple of years later when I was starting a wholesale business. I was exhibiting at The New York Gift Show and Susan was there with her company. The management of the show didn't quite know where to put me so they decided to put me a section called Museum Source, so I set up my booth with all these amazing rugs amidst unlikely fellow exhibitors. They were very good people but they sold the kind of product you find in museum gift shops like post cards and educational toys.
I was feeling a little discouraged and out of place when Susan appeared and went wild! I think she bought almost everything that was on my walls! After that she kept sending her clients, designers and architects to my booth and voila! My business in America was launched! The appreciation was mutual as I am a dedicated Anichini devotee. In the early years, we even bartered our goods, like any true nomad!
Tribal Tales with Susan Gomersall takes place Thursday, October 13 from noon to 12:45 p.m. at Anichini (Suite 923) at the DDB.
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