By Lissa Wyman

TROY, NC -- Capel and home fashions blogger CoCo Cozy have entered a partnership to produce a series of Indo-Tibetan rugs which co-ordinate with CoCoCozy pillows, throws and decorative accessories, according to John Magee, president, and  Tami Watras, vice president of product and creative director for Capel.

The program was previewed at the CoCoCozy booth at last week's New York International Gift Fair. A major introduction is scheduled for the April High Point Market, said Watras.

Born in the world of social networking, the relationship is groundbreaking for the rug industry, the executives noted.

This is the first rug licensing program  introducing a new designer from the blogosphere.

"This is another way of collaborating with talented designers," said Magee. "Twitter, Facebook and Blogs are growing in importance for the business community. Developing relationships with the new stars of social networking is a natural extension of our business."

Watras said she was a follower of the CoCoCozy Blog (www.cococozy.com) and contacted CoCo (who is also a California business executive, but is not a design professional). CoCoCozy has 60,000 followers on Facebook, and a major presence on Pinterest and Twitter as well as the blog and retail home accents.business. She designs all CoCoCozy products, which are all made in the U.S.

 "CoCoCozy has a drop-dead gorgeous aesthetic that I think will captivate the high end customer who loves color and contemporary design," said Watras.

The initial Capel/CoCoCozy rug collection will include five designs. They are hand knotted in Tibetan weave and made in India. Suggested retail price is approximately $1,600.

02.3.13