La Manufacture Cogolin Celebrates 100 Hundred Years
La Manufacture Cogolin, the prestigious French rug atelier, proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary. Renowned for its rich heritage in luxury textile craftsmanship, this milestone marks a century of unwavering dedication, creativity, and resilience, positioning La Manufacture Cogolin as a leader in the industry. Since the late 19th century, the atelier has meticulously preserved its essence and savoir-faire, passing down expertise through generations, with this centenary standing as a testament to its enduring success and prestige.
Image: La Manufacture Cogolin, Les Intemporels collection. Image above: La Manufacture Cogolin, Atelier.
The atelier remains true to its design philosophy, honouring its storied history and the original intent behind its creations. Many of its most iconic collections draw from archival designs, reflecting a deep commitment to maintaining the distinctive Cogolin style. Collaborations with visionary designers have further enriched the brand’s legacy, merging tradition with contemporary innovation. Highlights include the Jardin Intérieur collection with India Mahdavi, a Milan Design Week installation by film director Luca Guadagnino, and an immersive exhibit at sketch for the London Design Festival, celebrating a historic partnership with designer Christian Bérard. While recent collections adapt colours and patterns to meet modern tastes, the traditional techniques and craftsmanship—unchanged since the early 19th century—continue to define the atelier’s output. La Manufacture Cogolin remains one of the few ateliers in France still producing handmade rugs.
Over the past century, the atelier has earned the admiration of leading interior designers, fashion icons, and prestigious fashion houses, from Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent to Hermès, Chanel, and Christian Dior.
La Manufacture Cogolin nurtures talent, especially within its predominantly female workforce, reflecting its commitment to both tradition and innovation. Strong intergenerational bonds ensure the authenticity of the craft, with artisans gradually mastering the looms—progressing from simple tasks to the most complex over several years. It can take up to five years for a weaver to become fully independent on intricate looms, with additional time to reach the proficiency needed to weave up to three meters per day on the atelier’s 70-cm-wide looms.
Image: La Manufacture Cogolin, Bord de Mer collection.
“The workshop is the heart of the company. I have yet to meet anyone who steps into our weaving workshop without being captivated by the ancient wooden looms, which have been in place since the 1930s—a legacy that defines the identity and savoir-faire of the brand,” says Sarah Henry, Managing and Creative Director of La Manufacture Cogolin.
In the 1920s, La Manufacture Cogolin was one of the region’s largest employers. Its mastery of French artisanal techniques enabled the company to flourish even during WWII when many other ateliers closed. Today, the atelier is home to a close-knit team of around 20 weavers, seamstresses, and staff, fostering a family-like atmosphere. Each handcrafted rug is accompanied by a unique certificate of authenticity, underscoring the atelier’s esteemed status and craftsmanship.
Image: La Manufacture Cogolin, Bord de Mer collection.
The workshop also holds a treasure trove of over a century’s worth of archives, from order records to production drawings, which serve as inspiration for both bespoke projects and contemporary collections. In 2022, Sarah Henry revived the atelier’s fabric collection after 40 years with the Bord de Mer line, paying tribute to the brand’s history of producing fabrics alongside rugs. Earlier this year, the Idylle Fabric Collection debuted, reinterpreting the Idylle Rug Collection with vibrant patterns inspired by Christian Bérard’s gouaches from the 1930s-40s. The collection is printed by one of France’s oldest fabric printers, showcasing the enduring relevance of La Manufacture Cogolin’s creative heritage.
La Manufacture Cogolin also upholds a commitment to eco-conscious practices, using natural materials and exploring recycled options without compromising on quality. Last year’s sustainably produced Cushion Collection, crafted from fabric offcuts and excess yarns, exemplifies this dedication to responsible design. As the atelier looks to the future, it remains focused on innovation, experimentation, and sustainability while preserving the craftsmanship that has defined it for over a century.
Image: La Manufacture Cogolin, Bord de Mer collection.
As La Manufacture Cogolin embarks on its next 100 years, it continues to be a beacon of timeless artistry, innovation, and dedication to creating exquisite textiles that transcend generations.
Find out more about La Manufacture Cogolin:
www.manufacturecogolin.com
@lamanufacturecogolinofficiel
The atelier remains true to its design philosophy, honouring its storied history and the original intent behind its creations. Many of its most iconic collections draw from archival designs, reflecting a deep commitment to maintaining the distinctive Cogolin style. Collaborations with visionary designers have further enriched the brand’s legacy, merging tradition with contemporary innovation. Highlights include the Jardin Intérieur collection with India Mahdavi, a Milan Design Week installation by film director Luca Guadagnino, and an immersive exhibit at sketch for the London Design Festival, celebrating a historic partnership with designer Christian Bérard. While recent collections adapt colours and patterns to meet modern tastes, the traditional techniques and craftsmanship—unchanged since the early 19th century—continue to define the atelier’s output. La Manufacture Cogolin remains one of the few ateliers in France still producing handmade rugs.
Over the past century, the atelier has earned the admiration of leading interior designers, fashion icons, and prestigious fashion houses, from Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent to Hermès, Chanel, and Christian Dior.
La Manufacture Cogolin nurtures talent, especially within its predominantly female workforce, reflecting its commitment to both tradition and innovation. Strong intergenerational bonds ensure the authenticity of the craft, with artisans gradually mastering the looms—progressing from simple tasks to the most complex over several years. It can take up to five years for a weaver to become fully independent on intricate looms, with additional time to reach the proficiency needed to weave up to three meters per day on the atelier’s 70-cm-wide looms.
“The workshop is the heart of the company. I have yet to meet anyone who steps into our weaving workshop without being captivated by the ancient wooden looms, which have been in place since the 1930s—a legacy that defines the identity and savoir-faire of the brand,” says Sarah Henry, Managing and Creative Director of La Manufacture Cogolin.
In the 1920s, La Manufacture Cogolin was one of the region’s largest employers. Its mastery of French artisanal techniques enabled the company to flourish even during WWII when many other ateliers closed. Today, the atelier is home to a close-knit team of around 20 weavers, seamstresses, and staff, fostering a family-like atmosphere. Each handcrafted rug is accompanied by a unique certificate of authenticity, underscoring the atelier’s esteemed status and craftsmanship.
The workshop also holds a treasure trove of over a century’s worth of archives, from order records to production drawings, which serve as inspiration for both bespoke projects and contemporary collections. In 2022, Sarah Henry revived the atelier’s fabric collection after 40 years with the Bord de Mer line, paying tribute to the brand’s history of producing fabrics alongside rugs. Earlier this year, the Idylle Fabric Collection debuted, reinterpreting the Idylle Rug Collection with vibrant patterns inspired by Christian Bérard’s gouaches from the 1930s-40s. The collection is printed by one of France’s oldest fabric printers, showcasing the enduring relevance of La Manufacture Cogolin’s creative heritage.
La Manufacture Cogolin also upholds a commitment to eco-conscious practices, using natural materials and exploring recycled options without compromising on quality. Last year’s sustainably produced Cushion Collection, crafted from fabric offcuts and excess yarns, exemplifies this dedication to responsible design. As the atelier looks to the future, it remains focused on innovation, experimentation, and sustainability while preserving the craftsmanship that has defined it for over a century.
As La Manufacture Cogolin embarks on its next 100 years, it continues to be a beacon of timeless artistry, innovation, and dedication to creating exquisite textiles that transcend generations.
Find out more about La Manufacture Cogolin:
www.manufacturecogolin.com
@lamanufacturecogolinofficiel