ILLULIAN: HERITAGE IN MOTION

Images courtesy of Illulian

Terrazzo by Giulio Cappellini & Petals of the Past by Shaikha Al-Sulaiti

At Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026, the prestigious Milanese high-end handmade rugs Illulian presents two new additions to its Limited Collection, designed by Giulio Cappellini and Shaikha Al-Sulaiti. The new creations reaffirm the brand’s approach to rugs as a medium that connects art, architecture, and craftsmanship, while encouraging dialogue between diverse cultural perspectives.

For decades, Illulian has collaborated with internationally recognized designers to explore the expressive potential of textile surfaces. Each project merges a distinct creative vision with the maison’s renowned artisanal expertise, balancing heritage techniques with ongoing experimentation. The two rugs introduced this year reflect that philosophy through different yet complementary narratives—one rooted in architectural memory, the other in cultural storytelling.

Presented by Interni Cipta Selaras

Terrazzo by Giulio Cappellini
With Terrazzo, Giulio Cappellini translates the visual language of traditional Venetian terrazzo flooring into a textile composition. The rug features a neutral base that evokes cement, punctuated by irregular inlays that resemble scattered stone fragments, recreating the spontaneous rhythm of the architectural surface.

Terrazzo by Giulio Cappellini

The piece also introduces a material innovation for Illulian: the use of jute yarn as the primary base for the rug. This natural fibre lends a raw, tactile quality that echoes the compact feel of cement. Raised inserts in natural silk add contrast, catching the light and recalling the faceted brilliance of embedded stones. The result is a richly textured surface where the matte character of jute meets the luminous sheen of silk, bridging architecture and decorative design.

Petals of the Past by Shaikha Al-Sulaiti
In contrast, Petals of the Past by Shaikha Al-Sulaiti explores cultural memory through a poetic textile narrative. The design draws inspiration from traditional majlis interiors in historic homes in Doha, where crimson floral embroidery once adorned seating and textiles as symbols of hospitality and shared heritage.

Petals of the Past by Shaikha Al-Sulaiti

The rug combines organic floral motifs with the geometric rigor of Bedouin kilim patterns. Large, dreamlike blossoms—referencing the floral emblem found on Qatari riyal banknotes—frame the composition, while a mirrored diamond lattice derived from traditional weaving structures the central field. Smaller floral elements appear within the geometry, creating a subtle dialogue between ornament and structure.

Finished with softly undulating edges and fringes reminiscent of traditional lampshades, the design carries a sense of theatricality while preserving the intimacy of domestic rituals. In Qatari culture, rugs are more than decorative objects—they are spaces of gathering and memory. With Petals of the Past, Al-Sulaiti reinterprets this tradition as a contemporary heirloom, where heritage and imagination coexist in delicate balance.