Mano a Mano: The Story of Arudeko
A warm welcome to Arudeko.
The newest addition to the Selvedge Goods Shop comes from Oaxaca, where the rhythm of the pedal looms has been sounding out heritage for generations. Arudeko is the work of sisters Nailea and Denisse Arnaiz, textile designers trained together at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, who founded the studio in 2016 to build something more collaborative: an ongoing exchange with Zapotec weaving families across the Valley of Oaxaca.
Arudeko artisans with their handwoven textiles in the fields of Oaxaca
The name carries the intention. Ar for artisan, U for union, Deko for decoration, a compact statement of what the studio is trying to do. Working with locally sourced wool and cotton from a cooperative in Chiapas, Arudeko produces cushions, rugs and home textiles dyed using pomegranate peel, marigold, cochineal, walnut shell and indigo, gathered seasonally and used in full so nothing goes to waste in the process. Colour, here, is a direct record of the land it came from, shifting with the seasons rather than a fixed palette on a swatch card.
Naturally hand dyed yarns rest on the pedal loom, slowly becoming an Arudeko textile.
Each piece is made to order, adjusting in scale, colour and pattern depending on where it's headed. But the real interest lies in how the work gets made. Designers and weavers develop pieces together, with generations of inherited technique meeting contemporary design thinking, so that what emerges feels both new and deeply familiar. It's a slower way of working, one that resists the pull towards mass production, and it shows in the texture and weight of the finished cloth.
An Arudeko artisan displays a hank of naturally dyed wool yarn.
The Secuencia I rug by Arudeko. This rug reinterprets the visual language of traditional ceramic tiles through wool, and is dyed exclusively with natural dyes.
The sisters speak with real regard for their collaborators, from the weaving families whose skill sits at the heart of every textile to the seamstresses who finish each cushion and throw by hand. Fair practice and long-term relationships are the foundation the studio is built on, which makes Arudeko a natural addition to the Goods Shop's roster of makers working closely with artisan communities.
To find out more about the people behind the loom, keep reading for a Five Minutes with a Friend interview with Nailea Arnaiz, co-founder of Arudeko:
Five Minutes with a Friend: Nailea Arnaiz
Portrait of Nailea Arnaiz at work in the studio.
What is your earliest memory of a textile?
I remember accompanying my mom on shopping trips when we were little. She has always had a deep love for clothes, and we’d spend hours touching all the different fabrics and feeling their textures. I loved the way each one felt—some smooth, others rough, some soft, and others more structured. It’s funny, but I think that’s when I first began to appreciate how textiles have their own unique personality and how they can make us feel something simply by the way they look and feel.
Nailea and Denisse Arnaiz stand with the Arudeko artisans in the workshop.
How would you describe what draws you to textiles and the world of making?
For me, it’s the deep connection to culture and history. Each piece of fabric, thread, or weave has a story, whether it’s passed down through generations or created with a modern twist. I love how making things with your hands connects you to those before you, and it feels like you’re part of something much larger.
Inspiration comes by way of the surrounding Oaxaca architecture
If you create textiles, where do you feel most inspired to work?
I find inspiration in a mix of architecture, photography, and nature. I love exploring how light and shadows play in different environments, and how patterns and repetitions emerge naturally in both the built world and the outdoors. There’s something about the way structures and landscapes interact with light that sparks new ideas. I often take these inspirations—whether it’s the geometry of a building or the rhythm of waves—and weave them into my work, experimenting with how they can translate into texture and design.
Light and shadow inspires shapes and patterns.
What has sparked your imagination or inspired you recently?
The other day, I was at home, sitting by the window, and I noticed how the shadows from the plants on my windowsill were cast on the floor. It was fascinating to see how the light and leaves created such intricate shapes and patterns. I found myself completely absorbed in the way these organic forms seemed to come to life on the floor. It made me think about how nature, light, and shadows can inspire design in such unexpected ways. In fact, it sparked an idea and I started imagining how those forms and patterns could translate into a collection of rugs, where the interplay of light and shadow creates an almost sculptural quality in the textiles.
What is your most treasured textile, and what story does it carry?
My most treasured textile is a suede coat that my mom wore when she was younger. It’s incredible to think about how much better the quality of garments used to be, and how much more durable and timeless they felt. Every time I wear it, I feel a deep connection to her, to the past, and to the idea that things made with care can last a lifetime. This coat isn’t just clothing; it’s a reminder that quality and craftsmanship stand the test of time.
Textiles inspirations in the studio
Where did you first learn your craft, and who shaped your early approach to making?
I first learned my craft at university, where I studied textile design. It was there that I discovered the art of weaving on a loom and gained a deep understanding of materials, fibers, and textile finishes. That experience opened the doors to the world of textiles, introducing me to its vast possibilities and applications. The technical knowledge I gained gave me the foundation I needed, but it was also the creative freedom I found in experimenting with these materials that truly shaped my approach to making.
Is there a piece of music you return to while you work, that sets the rhythm of your making?
I love listening to indie music while I work as it really helps me get into a rhythm. I often return to artists like Bon Iver, Parcels, Alt-J, or Jungle. Their music has a calming yet energizing vibe that keeps me focused and inspired. It’s almost like the beats and melodies set the pace for my creative process, guiding each stitch and weave as I go along.
Exploring the use of waste wool products as a biomaterial in lighting design.
What material or technique are you currently experimenting with or curious to explore further?
Right now, we’re experimenting with finding ways to repurpose the waste from our wool products. We’ve been working on transforming this wool waste into a biomaterial that can be used to create lampshades. It’s an exciting challenge, as it allows us to minimize waste while exploring new ways to integrate sustainable practices into our designs. I’m really curious about how this could open up new opportunities for eco-friendly design, all while maintaining the quality and aesthetics of the materials we use.
If you could collaborate with any maker—past or present—who would it be, and why?
I would love to collaborate with Elsa Schiaparelli, the iconic Italian fashion designer. Her ability to blend art and fashion in such unexpected ways is something I deeply admire. It would be incredible to work alongside someone who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and take risks in their creative work.
What does a perfect day of making look like for you?
A perfect day of making starts with a quiet morning, a cup of tea, and a good playlist. I would spend the day creating, with no pressure or deadlines—just letting my hands follow the rhythm of my thoughts. I imagine myself surrounded by beautiful materials, losing track of time as I dive into my work. The day ends with a sense of accomplishment and a little bit of magic in the air.
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Further Information:
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A selection of artisan goods by Arudeko are available now in the Selvedge Artisan Goods shop.
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Image Credits:
All images courtesy of Arudeko.