Suzani, derived from the Persian word “Suzan” meaning needle, embodies centuries of artisanal craftsmanship by Central Asian nomadic tribes. These large-scale, hand-embroidered textile panels hold timeless beauty and cultural significance even today, making them an exquisite addition to any space. In this blog post, we delve into the spectacular world of Suzani textiles.

Suzani textiles display hand-embroidered intricate patterns on silk or cotton fabrics. The motifs featured include florals, vines, and geometric shapes, to symbolise luck, protection, and prosperity.

Traditionally, brides and their mothers crafted these pieces as part of a dowry, presenting them to the groom on the wedding day. They would typically use a vibrant colour scheme of red, blue, and green to mirror the rich cultural heritage of the region, adding a touch of vivacity to the creations.

Suzani textiles are loved by interior designers and homeowners for providing a sense of bohemian luxury. Their versatility fits various styles – from eclectic to traditional.

Here at the Design Studio, we celebrate Suzani textiles within our work. Whether that be by displaying framed vintage pieces in our hotels and residential projects or creating statement pieces like the Wing Chair showcased in the lobby of The Soho Hotel.

Suzani textiles effortlessly blend the past with the present. In one of the suites at The Ham Yard Hotel, the design scheme is fresh and bright, however, the walls adorned with framed Suzani textiles add gravitas to the space. The intricate patterns accent the overall design, infusing it with a sense of craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Many contemporary designers draw inspiration from Suzani textiles for their work. An excellent example is Ellen Merchant’s Nomad Linen print – a delightful interpretation of Suzani embroidery, detailing lively climbing vines with abstract fruits and flowers.

The Nomad fabric was used in the recent update of the Soho Residence at The Soho Hotel to inject joy into the space mirroring the playfulness of its design.

We love this charming Mendoza Suzani version by Thibaut and look forward to incorporating it into our future schemes.

In collaboration with Chelsea Textiles, Kit has created her own version of Suzani fabric that reflects her love for hand embroidery. It is a large-scale design with repeated motifs in warm tones of pinks, reds and mauves.

Inspired by the versatility of Suzani, the fabric has been created to fit both contemporary and traditional settings. It’s also been transformed into a hand embroidered cushion, available to buy at Shop Kit Kemp.

Suzani textiles beautifully bridge the gap between the past and the present, offering handcrafted beauty and historical significance to contemporary spaces. These exceptional textiles stand as a testament to the timeless appeal of global craftsmanship.