Founders of Atelier Février, Florian Pretet and Lisa Mukhia Pretet design together outstanding rugs skillfully hand-knotted in Nepal. Their pieces are the epitome of contemporary art fused with traditional craftsmanship.
A graduate form the Parisian Fashion School Studio Berçot, Florian Pretet is a French designer who worked several years for a prestigious French fashion brand that led him to Kathmandu. Through Atelier Février he breathes life into his drawing, translating them into beautiful design pieces.
Born and raised between Darjeeling and Kathmandu – where traditions are the culture’s cornerstone – Lisa Mukhia Pretet is a keen entrepreneur with a strong love for fashion and craft. She lived in Nepal for 15 years where her work experience and her exposure to vernacular techniques, brought forward her fascination for traditional crafts that have been passed along for generations.
Real life partners, coming from different cultural and professional background, their association is drawn from those common passions for art, fashion, craft and expertise. Atelier Février is dedicated to creating meaningful stories where traditional know-how dialogues with a cutting edge aesthetics.
The Creation
Atelier Février designs and creates luxury, timeless, statement rugs.They don’t aim to follow any trend but to be the reflection of a genuine everyday life’s inspiration. The signature patterns are richly detailed, highlighted by a one-of-kind color palette and original cut-outs.
The designs are the result of a thorough manual process for a natural finish.
First being hand-drawn on paper, then scaled-up and hand-knotted by expert weavers, the steps involves the combined workforce of around 50 people. Each rug is therefore unique due to its handmade nature.
The rugs are made of premium wool from Tibet – known to have a high content of lanolin that protects the rug over time and ages beautifully – and the finest silk from China for added lustre and durability, ensuring the rugs being suitable for personal and public spaces. The average turnaround is minimum of 14 weeks.
Fair trade standards and eco-friendly work methods are at the core of Atelier Février’s approach. Atelier Février is committed to using 100% natural fibers and dyes, creating ethical work opportunities for those in Nepal and Tibet and promoting traditional Asian craftsmanship.