As The Rug Company celebrates 25 years, CEO James Seuss reflects on the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, creativity and collaboration.
Mary Katrantzou Feather Marble wool and silk rug in maroon, The Rug Company, therugcompany.com.
With an emphasis on patterns, colors, materials and composition, fashion and home design are inextricably linked, something that can be clearly seen in the diverse range of luxe offerings from The Rug Company. Founded in London in 1997 by Suzanne and Christopher Sharp, the brand—which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year—stands out not only for its dedication to craftsmanship and quality, but also for its collaborations with the design and fashion worlds’ top players, including Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen and Kelly Wearstler.
Dale Chihuly Poplar wool and silk rug, The Rug Company, therugcompany.com.
“Design is at the heart of everything we do,” says the brand’s CEO, James Seuss. “We focus on everlasting styles rather than trends; this way, we are producing long-lasting, stylish rugs that bring fashion to the forefront of home design but will never go out of style.” The brand has steadily grown over the years, starting with one showroom in London and expanding to eight in the U.S. and 26 globally today, and from initial designer partnerships with Paul Smith and Marni to collaborations with more than 60 creatives. So what’s the secret to its success? “For 25 years we have been driven by curiosity and a cultivated collector’s eye, traveling far and wide to discover rare and exceptional pieces,” says Seuss. “A synergy of nature and craft, the refined textures of our rugs are elevated by the raw materials we choose. We only use wool from high on the Tibetan Plateau—wool so rich in natural lanolin that it is oily to the touch, our spinners, weavers and dyers handling it with reverence to retain its extraordinary properties.”
Kelly Wearstler Channels wool and silk rug in copper
Beyond quality and design, the ability to customize rugs by color, shape and size —in the existing collection or completely from scratch—has kept the brand at the forefront. Look out for much more over this next year and beyond, including a new collection from Kelly Wearstler this summer, an expanded digital presence and more. “There is more to come,” says Seuss, “so stay tuned!”
Photography by: RUG PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RUG COMPANY
