Karu X Frances V.H Mohair Rugs

WORDS Amelia Brown PHOTOS Nadia Von Scotti

A shared love of the Karoo landscape led to a collaboration between lifestyle brand Karu and mohair rug producer Frances V.H on a series of luxurious rugs.

The collaboration came about when Frances van Hasselt, founder of the hand-woven rug company Frances V.H, reached out to Karu’s founders on Instagram.

She had noticed familiar influences in Alexis Barrell and Fiona Mackay’s line of artisanal home textiles, sleepwear and clothing: a reverence for natural fibres, artisanal textile production and the evocative beauty of the Karoo. Alexis, who is Karu’s creative director, worked with Frances on the designs. The two launch designs are Patchwork, which references vintage quilting techniques, and Blok Huis, which pays homage to the simplicity of Karoo farmhouse architecture.

Part of the rugs’ appeal is the entirely local supply chain. The Van Hasselt family’s angora farm in Prince Albert supports ethical, sustainable mohair practices. After the washing and combing process, the mohair is hand-spun and -woven by skilled female weavers in the Eastern Cape. Each rug takes six to eight weeks to produce. They’re made to order, and colour customisation within the existing palette is possible.

Available from R5 500/m² through Karu.

For more information, visit francesvh.com and karu.world.