THE BRAND
Estd 2010
BOSTON * TORONTO
Allem Studio is a Boston based boutique textile design house founded in 2010 by friends Mitali Seth and Lovisa Shergill. With a background in sourcing apparel and fine embroideries, they decided to put their mutual love of textiles to launch Allem Studio.
Allem Studio designs have been greatly influenced by the founders home towns of Lucknow and Chandigarh. Lucknow with its history, culture, classical Indian architecture and Chandigarh with its modernist, cubist and mid century design. The color stories, prints and aesthetic of Allem Studio is a harmonious mixture of both Mitali’s and Lovisa’s diverse backgrounds and their personal design sensibility.
Allem Studio prints and patterns are brought to life by a wonderful team of block printers and weavers in India. Their products are designed to be mixed and matched to create spaces that are infused with a nostalgic charm and contemporary flair.
MITALI SETH - CO FOUNDER ALLEM STUDIO
Mitali was born and raised in Lucknow, a city with its unique culture, cuisine, "tehzeeb" (etiquette) and a way of life. Her design philosophy is reflective of her place of origin. It is inspired by heritage textiles and historical imagery.
LOVISA SHERGILL - CO FOUNDER ALLEM STUDIO
Lovisa grew up in Chandigarh, surrounded by its modernist heritage. The pure, simple and recurring geometric imagery of its architecture made a deep impact on her design sensibility.
BLOCK PRINTING
For block printing, we are working with women owned business in Jaipur that is continuing the legacy of the elders in the family who supplied block prints to the Maharani of Jaipur.
Our block prints begin with the creation of a design, often hand-drawn and then carved onto a wooden block, which serves as the printing tool. Skilled artisans then meticulously carve away the negative space of the design, leaving behind a raised pattern on the block's surface. Next, the block is dipped into vibrant, fabric-safe dyes, ensuring even coverage. With steady hands and precise movements, the artisan presses the block onto the fabric, transferring the design with remarkable accuracy. This process is repeated systematically, aligning the blocks to create intricate patterns and layers of color. The result is a stunning piece of block-printed fabric, rich in texture and visual depth, each bearing the unique imprint of the artisan's expertise and creativity.
HANDLOOM WEAVING
Allem Studio has been collaborating with an award winning weaving community in Bhuj. This region is rich in textile history and is a showcase for hand woven textiles. The weavers we worked with have been weaving fabric and traditional shawls for many generations.
Bhujodi weaving is a meticulous craft that begins with the selection of high-quality cotton or wool. The process begins with the preparation of the yarn, which is often dyed using natural colors derived from plants, roots, and minerals, ensuring vibrant and eco-friendly hues. Once the yarn is ready, it is wound onto bobbins and set up on the loom. Weaving in Bhujodi is traditionally done on a hand loom. The loom setup involves threading the warp onto the loom, a task that requires precision and patience. The weaver then skillfully interlaces the weft through the warp using a shuttle, creating intricate patterns and designs. Weavers often incorporate traditional motifs and patterns that have been passed down through generations, each carrying cultural significance and a story of its own. The result is a stunning array of textiles, from shawls and stoles to sarees and home decor items, each a testament to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Bhujodi weaving.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Our narrative revolves around the idea that simplicity and complexity can co-exist in perfect harmony. Through the fusion of flowing flora and rigid geometry, we aim to evoke a connection with nature while embracing the contemporary appeal of streamlined design.