Rug Nirvana: Where To Buy Beni
As we prepare to usher in the new year, we are all setting our sights on home transformations for the colder winter months ahead and the following spring. The thought of infusing fresh and cozy vibes into our living spaces lingers on our minds, and what better way to achieve that than by adding a touch of warmth with divine handcrafted rugs, particularly… a “Beni”…
Originating from the Beni Mrirt region, these rugs – originally associated with the nomadic Beni Ourain tribe – are usually a feast for the eyes with unique geometric patterns, adorned in chic neutral tones like ivory, beige, and black. Yet, in the sea of choices out there, only three standout brands have caught the eye for their dedication to top-notch quality, ethical practices, and designs that are just absolutely one-of-a-kind: Beni Rugs, MRIRT, and Studio Sana Benzaitar.
Beni Rugs: Interweaving Tradition And Modern Luxury
When it comes to merging tradition with a touch of luxury, Beni Rugs is a total game-changer.
Beni has a showroom in the West Village of New York City and has collaborated with many including the Flamingo Estate, Colin King, and more – but that’s not where the magic is…
It’s in the studio. The Beni Studio, in Tameslouht – just a breezy 30-minute drive from downtown Marrakech – is an 8,000-square-foot hotspot of craftsmanship with a stunning view of the High Atlas Mountains. Beni, co-owned by Tiberio Lobo-Navia and Robert Wright, effortlessly blends 3,500 years of tradition with a modern-contemporary twist, encompassing two weaving styles in their arsenal: knotted and flatwoven. The knotted weave is crafted meticulously by hand, boasting pile heights from a cozy 1-inch to a lush 1.5-inch, and the flatwoven weave offers a lighter option with a hint of rustic charm underfoot.
Recognized as a certified fair trade business, their commitment to better materials and wages is what sets Beni apart. Beni shells out 5 times the national price for wool that’s gathered from the High Atlas Mountain sheep, promising a rug that’s not just a masterpiece but also reinforces quality, consistency, and transparency.
MRIRT: Crafting Ethical Elegance
Founded by Laila Fadaoui, MRIRT, mixes her passion for minimal interiors with authentic heritage and modern design focusing on crafting timeless, creations that are beneficial for the community. Adhering to ancient knotting practices, MRIRT’s handmade earthy-toned rugs use the finest Beni Guile (by the way – that’s 100% Moroccan high-quality sheep wool) fibers that are known for their gentleness and ability to last.
Minimal forms and advanced knotting capture the vibe of MRIRT’s interconnectedness of generations with each piece symbolizing the old and new, showcasing the brand’s commitment to historical uniqueness. With MRIRT’s rugs steeped in heritage, the “Classic Collection” pieces are always available and come to life on demand, whereas other designs are released in limited quantities. Acquiring a MRIRT rug champions the conservation of traditional craftsmanship by the skilled artisans of the M’rirt region.
Studio Sana Benzaitar: A Female-Led Celebration of Tradition
Studio Sana Benzaitar, founded by Sana Benzaitar, shines as an all-female-driven atelier producing quality-grade distinctive contemporary Beni rugs. With all weavers being from the Amazigh region, the studio’s designs are devoted to upholding age-old traditions while still infusing contemporary flair. With every intricately hand-woven rug, these rugs proudly display exquisitely lush abstract motifs in native muted tones with a flawless fusion of time-honored artistry transmitted through united generations. Therefore from the Atlas mountains to the studio, these rugs are a tribute to the artistic expression, ingenuity, and fortitude of Amazigh women.
A rug purchase from Studio Sana Benzaitar is a conscious choice to support and empower female artisans and a push to inspire others to do the same, creating a lasting impact on both the appreciation of cultural heritage and the lives of those dedicated to preserving it.
Read recent articles
Bennani Builds The Big Screen
Maison Brummell: Marrakesh Meet’s Ethereal Chic
Laura Pronk and The Bloom Room: Where Floral Dreams Take Root