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Slow and confident are the hands that create together: a short interview with textile designers and sisters Laure and Aurélie Hug.

How do you approach each project?
Each project, each creative idea opens new doors for our unbridled imagination. Art, Nature, Fashion and Decorative Arts serve as constant sources of inspiration. Through in-depth conversations with each Interior Designer we collaborate with, we adapt their work process, and our way of translating each request. Depending on the narrative, we thoughtfully seek the materials and techniques which will enhance our vision, in the pursuit of rare, exclusive results. Bespoke creations allow us to come up with something new, and never repeat ourselves, whether it be a style, a mood, a specific craft… Constant creativity and originality are our main goals.

Is your process always identical?
Research is always our first step. We dig deep to find the visual and/or historical references, before establishing the boundaries and the scope of what we need to create, especially if we’re bringing to life something that doesn’t exist. Textile design and embroidery are about timeless beauty.

Then there’s a sampling phase, with more details, colors, experimentations – transparencies, shine, matte: we always come up with different versions, depending on the material, of the same drawing. The choice in materials has the greatest impact on any embroidery, with drastically different results. Once a sample is approved, we finalize the project and go into production. Depending on the client and collection, we sometimes turn to new materials and new tools which can provide us with more autonomy.

Our creative space allows for constant experimentation. Our studio is like a lab, it harbors our wildest dreams and allows us to adapt our flow, our expression, to better suit each client’s demand.

How would you define your work?
We like twisting the words of French philosopher Voltaire and French writer Barjavel: “The superfluous is useless, and therefore absolutely necessary”. This embodies precisely our approach towards beauty, beautiful “things”, and art. It also is a testament to how much love we pour into our practice.

Embroidery is a high-end, time-consuming and sensual, meditational craft that elevates the surroundings of those in the know. It stimulates our senses in more ways than one, creating visual and tactile narratives. We experiment with traditional, contemporary, noble or unusual materials and techniques… We dream thoughtful, detailed, high-end textile designs embellishments.

Exceptional textile design can also be seen as an ancient yet timeless version of augmented reality, with artful storytelling at its heart. All our creations are unique, they each have hearts that beat at a specific pace, and minds that take on a life of their own. They are charged with a wealth of references, richness, and are meant to mesmerize our clients, those who will own them, live with them, evolve around them.

What’s the best part about your work?

Not to stroke our own feathers, but we love our clients’ reactions when they discover the final pieces they’ve commissioned, whether they’re private individuals or interior designers. They look at them, they touch them, and usually just let out a “wow”.

We create beauty and we get to wow our clients. To us, that’s… everything.
We create beauty that makes you go “’wow!”

The Timeless Art of Embroidery and Textile Design

Embroidery and textile design have long been revered as profound art forms, weaving together history, culture, and individual expression. From the intricate tapestries of the Middle Ages to the delicate silks of the East, textiles have served not only as functional items but as canvases for artistic storytelling, reflecting the values and aesthetics of their time.

In ancient civilizations, textiles held immense cultural significance. The Egyptians adorned their tombs with finely embroidered linens, believing that these beautiful creations would accompany them into the afterlife. The opulence of Byzantine silk, richly embroidered with gold and silver threads, not only showcased the wealth of the empire but also illustrated religious narratives, bridging the sacred and the decorative.

The Medieval Era marked a pivotal moment in textile artistry, as skilled artisans in Italy began to elevate embroidery into a celebrated craft. Luxurious fabrics adorned with intricate motifs became essential elements in the homes of the elite, serving as symbols of status and refinement. This period saw the emergence of famous works such as the Bayeux Tapestry, which narrates the events leading to the Norman conquest of England, blending artistry with storytelling in a striking visual form.

As time progressed, embroidery continued to evolve, influenced by cultural exchanges along trade routes. The introduction of Eastern techniques and patterns into Western design further enriched the textile landscape. The Mughal Empire’s lavish textiles, adorned with floral motifs and vibrant colors, inspired European designers, leading to the incorporation of these elements into high-end interiors.

Today, the importance of embroidery and textile design transcends mere decoration. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, the art of embroidery embodies a commitment to craftsmanship, originality, and the human hand. Each stitch carries the essence of its creator, transforming fabric into a medium of expression and connection.

COMBRAY honors this rich heritage by creating bespoke textiles that resonate with the timeless beauty and artistry of the past. Our works are meant to embellish spaces and tell stories – stories that evoke emotion and celebrate the art of slow, thoughtful creation. In a time when authenticity and individuality are paramount, embroidery stands as a testament to the enduring power of art, inviting us to cherish the beauty that elevates our surroundings.