In this new series, we highlight the intriguing work of some of the women-led studios that we spotted at Maison&Objet in Paris—first, we speak to Asli Smith of Marmi about the rug brand that she co-founded with Sirin Aysan
A s the world eases back into travelling again, international design fairs have also returned with a splash. The Maison&Objet (M&O) fair in Paris made a great comeback this year, with over 2,000 design companies from 60 different countries launching and debuting new products. Held from 18 to 23 January this year, the French trade fair offered a vibrant array of novelties ranging from furnishings and lighting to tableware and accessories to entice designers and house-proud visitors alike.
The leitmotif for this edition of the event was sustainability: designers and manufacturers are becoming more mindful of their environmental impact, and aim to reduce the carbon footprint of their firms by promoting more sustainable methods of production. This eco-conscious approach is evident in the work of the women creators behind four of such design firms. While these studios may originate from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and showcase a diverse mix of styles and material choices, they all tap into a common ecologically minded ethos that aims to minimise waste in their production processes, harness locally derived resources, and support homegrown artisans where possible.
We speak to the women founders of four firms, who tell us more about their chosen creative path and philosophy, and how they navigate the challenges of their dual roles as both designers and creative entrepreneurs. In the first of four articles, we start with Marmi, a rug brand founded by Asli Smith and Sirin Aysan.
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When a studio is based in two very different cities, its creative approach can consequently be both versatile and eclectic. Such is true of Marmi, a rug brand founded in 2022 by two friends: Asli Smith, a multidisciplinary designer based in Istanbul and New York, and Sirin Aysan, an award-winning storyteller who lives in Los Angeles. Marmi creates contemporary rugs inspired by the myths, art and history of Asia Minor cultures.
Each rug is crafted by artisans in Turkey, the country in which Smith and Aysan grew up. “I always thought I was going to be a painter; honestly, I’m not sure how I ended up as a designer. But I love being a designer. I love the problem-solving and playtime that come along with it,” quips Smith.
That said, her artistic background is evident in her drawing-like rug designs, which emphasise their natural influences. “For Marmi, we would like to keep creating collections that tell a story and reflect our appreciation of natural colours, materials and textures,” says Smith. What are the future plans for their fledgling firm and how do they manage to make their cross-country collaboration work? Smith tells us more.
