Old-World Craft, Modern Luxury: The Gallura Rug Experience
Sam Brown Co brought three designers from the Rockies to visit the Gallura region of Italy to see the soul of Sardinian craftsmanship. There, we were invited by our hosts to slow down and take in the beautiful simplicity of an ancient village celebrated for its weaving heritage. After all, there is no better way to gain more appreciation for a brand than to immerse yourself in it!
What began as a 'work trip' with a group of almost strangers quickly turned into a group that felt unexpectedly well-suited for the experience. By combining activities ranging from cozy aperitivos, beach visits, exquisite dining experiences, and just simply taking in the dramatic landscape, it made us never want to leave!
Our tour would not have been possible without Arianna of Gallura rugs. Behind the scenes, she helped create this magical itinerary. Other residents in the Aggius village chipped in as well! We met local friends of our hosts, we dined on a many-course meal prepared by one of the weaving craftswoman at Gallura, and we felt the extended hands of many to make this trip truly divine.
Arianna! She can successfully juggle many things in her work life, she makes us laugh, she’s well organized, she doesn’t like cold water for swimming, and she does like vino for drinking.
Anna, a craftsperson at Gallura; she single-handedly prepared an incredible 12-course meal (magnifico!) for us, and topped it off with deserts. Her husband cut the fruit for the fruit salad. (inside joke)
Cristina! An interior designer herself, a big admirer of Gallura rugs, a friend to the owner, and a quietly elegant & helpful addition to our outings in the region. We all made a new friend!
Dawn Wilkinson (our designer guest from Denver) with our boat captain, Nello, while touring the turquoise waters of the Med!
Riccardo, the dynamic and energetic visionary of Gallura’s rug collection, seen here outside his home in Aggius. All smiles for his guests as we prepare to feast our eyes on his exquisite home design, and feast our bellies on equally pleasing Aperol Spritzes!
An aesthetic aperitivo at Riccaro’s home.
“When you are passionate, you don’t care the time you put into it.”
Wearable fibers is no joke. Riccardo shows off a sweater he had made from the same pattern as the super soft ‘Erbe’ rug (made of intertwining alpaca wools) in the Gallura collection. Alpaca, silk, cashmere… nice for apparel, but also equally comforting under foot.
Sketches turned into designs, and eventually into custom yarns. These bespoke yarns are woven into Gallura rugs, giving the collection its namesake, “Woven Landscapes”.
Looking at samples at the Gallura atelier:
“I could totally sleep on this!” - Sophia
“Let me try it with bare feet” - Jill