Wool & Silk highlights its new Vista hand-knotted area rug at the trade event.
LONDON -- COVER Connect is a new virtual event running Jan. 12-15 created to bring the handmade rug industry together. In the month when the world’s most dynamic designers, manufacturers and traders would traditionally flock to fairs in different cities across the globe, COVER Connect is bringing them together online in a new event that includes trade, discussions and events.
COVER Connect will act as a virtual launchpad for new collections and designs by 37 international brands. Providing an engaging buying experience for exhibitors and clients, it will recreate the atmosphere of a fair by offering numerous encounters with outstanding design, quality rugs and the companies who create them. High-quality photography and videos, live chat and bookable one-on-one meetings will facilitate active business. The virtual booths and catalogues for download will act as an easily accessible overview of each company’s rugs, representing its style and ethos.
Kalaty Rugs will present its latest area rug designs at the Cover Connect fair. Shown, Polaris
Among the exhibitors are: Battilossi, cc-tapis, Choudhary Exports, Creative Matters, Edelgrund, French Accents, Jaipur Rugs, Kirkit, Knots Rugs, Rug & Kilim, Samad, Sahar, Tamarian, Thibault Van Renne and Wool & Silk. All exhibitors have been encouraged to be available for meetings between 9 a.m. and10 p.m. GMT, Jan. 12–15, in a bid to cater for a wide range of time zones. It will be made clear to visitors when an exhibitor is available to network, negotiate, show additional stock or demonstrate bespoke potential.
Rug & Kilim presents its classic Russian-style Burano collection.
Among the major topic to be addressed on the show's Talk agenda is: What can the handmade rug industry do to adapt and thrive in the current climate? Seven panel discussions featuring 30 distinguished, celebrated and well-informed speakers will tackle the three interrelated topics of Sustainability, Collaboration and Interior Design. Some of the most successful and creative minds in the industry stop in to discuss inspiring projects and exemplary practices that demonstrate the potential power of such initiatives.
U.S. hand-knot specialist Tamarian will showcase its twisted-knot Whirl area rug virtually.
In the Event series, expect new content from Trade exhibitors, such as: explanations of the custom capabilities of Creative Matters and Battilossi with input from existing clients; a documentary tracking the 50-year history of Thibault Van Renne; insight into the design and production processes of Kristiina Lassus and Tania Johnson; and a live rug auction from non-profit Afghan economic aid group KCEC will offer up Afghan handmade area rugs on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. (ET) via a special Zoom meeting.
For more details on Cover Connects, a complete schedule or to register, click here.