New Zealand designer/world traveller Olivia Smith (27) has “a passion for quality, texture and finding beauty in the naturally imperfect”. Combined with a large portion of hard work and determination, she is now the owner of Nodi, designing and selling some of the most stunning fairtrade rugs.
After studying textiles design in Milan, she worked as an au-pair, jewelery maker and English teacher. And of course: in different positions in the textiles and design industry, gaining tons of experience, both in Italy and in Australia.
Next stop was India, home of a thriving textiles industry. After months of travelling the country, meeting weavers and having samples made, she found the skilful craftsmen she was looking for. They could make her designs into beautifully hand tufted rugs, while working under fairtrade conditions and complying to international good weave standers. A business was born.
Nodi recently launched the second collection, called ‘Organic Lines’, which is especially compelling. Inspired by the reflections of natural light, the rugs come in many different patterns, colours and sizes. The rugs are made using a mix of jute, cotton and banana silk. Weaved by the craftsmen you know work under good circumstances, it’s hard not to want to lighten up your floors with a Nodi rug.