Six Legendary Architects Design Rugs to Benefit Afghan Women
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Source: Architectural Digest
Ordinary floors are about to get some extraordinary help from a handful of top-tier architects. Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, Zaha Hadid, Robert A.M. Stern, Margaret McCurry, and Stanley Tigerman have designed rugs for Arzu Studio Hope’s new Masters collection. However, Arzu’s mission is about much more than making beautiful carpets—the Chicago-based not-for-profit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of Afghan women weavers and their families, based on a model of social entrepreneurship.
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Inspirations behind the designs.
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Beautiful Beyond Words
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I read The Kite Runner back in 2008 and since then I have been in love and very much intrigued by the Afghan history. A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Bookseller of Kabul were subsequently added to my library. I have enjoyed all three books a lot, they are my most favorite books of all time.
Recently, I came across an ad on the newspaper about a concert by ensembles of Afghanistan National Institute of Music and it was to be held at Carnegie Hall right here in New York! The whole thing sounded magical – music from a country I’m smitten over, music from a war-torn country, music from people who suffered for decades and were forbidden to play any sort of music…and at a prestigious venue – this event was not to be missed! A few years ago, this wouldn’t even have been possible.
The performance was beautiful beyond words, it brought tears to my eyes. The whole thing was much more than a musical concert. I see these passionate and skillful youngsters, who make up the ensembles, as the bright hope of a nation yearning for peace and stability. And I hope the rich history and tradition of Afghanistan will come to life through this selfless endeavor.
More readings:
Afghanistan National Institute of Music
How do You Get to Carnegie Hall? Start in Kabul.
‘Bolero’ on Instruments Ravel Never Dreamed Of - Afghan Ensembles at Carnegie Hall
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