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Studio Lél x Irthi present the ‘Thaya Collection’ at Milan Design Week
The weaving of Safeefah fibre with the vases
Image: Courtesy of Studio Lél
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Studio Lél x Irthi present the ‘Thaya Collection’ at Milan Design Week

The Thaya collection combines the intricacies of safeefah fabric and stone in a display of unique vases.

by Ayushi Mathur
Published on : Jun 10, 2022

Keeping the motive of preserving and re-interpreting traditional crafts at the heart of their practice, Studio Lél and the Irthi Crafts Council align ideologies to present the Thaya Collection of vases at the Milan Design Week. Located in Peshawar, Pakistan, Studio Lél has always focused on promoting the works of displaced Afghan master artisans and local craftsmen. This is the first time in the show's 64-year history that a studio from Pakistan has participated. The collection is currently on display in a collective exhibition at Cambi Auction House and Palazzo Litta, Milan until 12th June 2022.

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The intricately carved vase from the Thaya collection Image: Courtesy of Studio Lél

Designed by Meherunnisa Asad, creative director of Studio Lél, the Thaya vases weave together the contrasting worlds of firm safeefah fibre and solid stones. The exhibition features three differently shaped and very unique vases, that are crafted out of different stones and have safeefah fibres woven onto them through punctures drilled skillfully into the vase. The collection, just like all of the projections by Studio Lél alongside the Irthi Crafts Council, pushes all boundaries of design and artisanal craftsmanship in unprecedented ways.

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The Lulu vase Image: Courtesy of Studio Lél

The Anbara vase is the first one on display which features a natural pink and white stone punctured with naturally dyed pink and red woven Khose strands in a feather effect. In a collaborative creation by female artisans from Irthi and master artisans from Lél, one can also observe the Lulu vase and the Aouinat vase both of which are made of pink stones and naturally dyed safeefah fabrics.

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The Safeefah fabric used in the Thaya collection Image: Courtesy of Studio Lél

A subtle dialogue between fine art, design and craft, a women-led artistic collective, Studio Lél specialises in creatively designing utilitarian objects using the 16th-century Italian and Mughal art of Pietra Dura. As one would observe, the artistic objects are emblematic of the stone inlay pietra dura art which is often called ‘Parchin Kari’ in Southern parts of Asia.

Studio Lél was founded by Farhana Asad in Peshawar about three decades ago and now holds the reigns of being a successful art collective. It has been a part of important design events across the world including the London Design Biennale 2021, Design Miami, Design Shanghai, London Design Fair, and now the Milan Design Week 2022.

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Irthi Crafts Council with Studio Lél at Milan Design Week 2022 Image: Courtesy of Studio Lél

Irthi Crafts Council represents traditional and contemporary crafts across Central Asia while working with partner organisations. The council works towards creating a balance in a world dominated by men, by promoting women artisans at a global level. They provide fresh narratives for women by initiating new market opportunities, social development programmes and vocational training sessions. The council has also collaborated with Nada Debs for her Zenobia collection which has also been presented at the Salone del Mobile 2022.

STIR takes you on a Milanese sojourn! Experience Salone del Mobile and all the design districts - 5vie, Brera, Fuorisalone, Isola, Zona Tortona, and Durini - with us. STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2022, Meanwhile in Milan showcases the best exhibits, moods, studios, events, and folks to look out for. We are also excited to announce our very own STIR press booth at Salone del Mobile - Hall 5/7 S.14, Fiera Milano RHO.

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