ODETTE BLUM'S INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER

We're pleased to welcome Odette Blum as she takes over the Selvedge Instagram page as part of our regular Tuesday Takeovers. Follow Selvedge on Instagram using the handle @SelvedgeMagazine to find out more about Odette's business.

Odette Blum connects artisans with contemporary designers who are looking to create bespoke art pieces. Her passion for merging the artisan world with the modern is how Odette offers designers ‘a unique personal touch’ in creating a bespoke design.

I connect contemporary designers to artisans, blending diversity to create unity. My journey in enriching my life through textiles, started at a very young age in the early seventies. My father was a tailor and his workshop was upstairs. I remember the light and silence in this space. The cherry tree in the garden filtered the sunlight. I sat with my father, we both felt happy and at peace.

While travelling the world to discover textiles, I met artisans, heard the stories of their lives and how they portrayed their heritage in their creations. I felt happy again and realised that I could relate to their story through their textiles. I gave a new life to a hand woven sari. This traditional cloth serves as a window blind. Touched by the sunlight, the sari tells it’s unique story, complimenting modern living. 

In Tibet, I experienced a life changing moment. I was visiting the ‘NorIha-atelier’ and was thrown back in time. I was back in my father’s workshop seeing him using his big scissors and steaming the hand tailored suits. I knew then that I was born to work with artisanal crafts. The purity of the hand woven linens I offer stimulate the senses and is a value for brands in creating their own bespoke collection.

Although I dreamed of a career as an artist, life took me in another direction. I studied interior design, started my design studio and created complete interior design projects. I have always worked from a concept, but I missed the personality: unique handmade textiles in a home. 

Whilst traveling the world, I have had the opportunity to build a strong network of artisan groups and artists. My skills are focused on creating unique visuals and I am keen to turn them into reality by creating bespoke concepts for my clients. Connecting artisans and artists with designers and brands, allows me to create contemporary concepts bringing the artisan’s craftsmanship to life.

Written by Odette Blum

Find out more about Odette Blum on her website: www.odetteblum.com

Instagram: @odette_blum