By Lissa Wyman

ATLANTA -- Jaipur's new Connextion collection from Australian rug designer Jenny Jones, combines refined modern aesthetics with an old-fashioned social conscience. Over the next five years. all of her US royalties from the collection are  going to the Jenny Jones Trust, a program for  the education for weavers. This program then works in conjunction with the Jaipur Rug Foundation's  Alternative Education Program (AEP)

In a wide-ranging  interview with  Rugnews.com at the recent High Point International Furniture Market, Jones explained how this program provides a direct connection between the end-use consumer and the artisans who produce the rugs. Funds will go directly to literacy programs in the weaving community.

Jones is no newcomer to the Jaipur Alternative Education Program, Before developing the new collection, she had already pledged support for the education of an entire village of rug artisans.

"Six or seven years ago, I became interested in doing something for rug artisans. While I was researching the opportunities, Jaipur's name kept coming up. I heard their philosophy and it matched my own," she explained.

" I have visited Jaipur's weaving facilities to develop custom designs for my retail shop in Perth, Australia," she said. "I became involved with the lives of the weaving families and realized they need exposure to more educational opportunities.

"Literacy and education go a long way towards empowering the weavers and making their lives and families better," she said. "This educational program will enhance the quality of village life in general."

Along with her philanthropic vision, Jones said she also found design inspiration in the weaving villages. "The names and stories of the weavers and the villages they come from are very much a part of these designs," she told Rugnews.com

The introduce the consumer to the program, each rug has a hang-tag that tells the story of the  Connexions design as well as the Jaipur Alternative Education Program.

"By bringing the consumer closer to the weaving process, it keeps the industry alive and keeps the story alive. We want to help change the consumer's perception of rug weaving."

"Although my work often quotes from classic designs, but for the most part, my rugs go into contemporary homes," said Jones.

"Jenny Jones has launched us into a new category of design," noted Asha Chaudhary, chief executive officer of Jaipur. "We look forward to growing this segment of our business."

The Jenny Jones Connextion collection includes two series of rugs: 

GLOBAL SERIES

The Global Series is referenced by tribal patterns from around the world, updated with a contemporary sensibility. The diverse palette ranges from intense blue-green to muted neutrals. Hand-knotted in India of  wool and bamboo silk., the suggested retail price is $1,540 in 5x8.

Versailles

Monsoon

Ruby Room

SIGNATURE SERIES

The Signature Series is a group of Jenny Jones'  hallmark designs. Hand-knotted in India of wool and natural silk, the suggested retail price is $3,345 in 5x8.

Empress

Sophia

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