Their professional history is powerfully juxtaposed. Jodie holds a background in production and costume design for film/ theatre and Sally, finance and accounting. Yet their strengths are perfectly complementary and both are highly passionate about design, India and most importantly (at least relevant to our #DwellConsciously conversation), Fair Trade.
The new partners found there was a lack of simple, classic, handmade and fine quality floor accessories on the Australian market. What they couldn’t find they decided to make!
[ Armadillo & Co. designer Sally Pottharst ]
THE DESIGN PROCESS
The Armadillo & Co collection is inspired by collaboration, the search for the uncommonly beautiful, and most of all, human touch.
The goal of Armadillo & Co design is to sustain and elevate age old methods through a contemporary process.
Through their design process, Sally and Jodie work intently with each other, their artisans and their clients. Says designers Jodie and Sally, "We follow our instincts, get excited and combine thinking to let ideas unfold, expand and evolve. These ideas come from little things: perhaps a shadow, a tile, a piece of folded paper... to big themes, like travel, memories and family. They also come from aiming to better what our weavers do best. Adding our unique aesthetic to their innate understanding combines their craft skills with our artistic vision. Yes, we do get all goose-bumpy when we’re crouched down on the floor for a month in India with our makers (which we do regularly!). We adore our ‘dye master’. We know our weavers’ families. And we always keep it real when it comes to design and production, Beyond anything, we expect the unexpected."
THE MATERIALS
All the fibres of the rug are selected for their high quality, textural and tactile qualities. The large majority of Armadillo & Co’s rugs are crafted from sustainable, natural fibres including pure wool, hemp and jute. They make use of (recycled!) PET fibres for the outdoor collection only.
The materials for Armadillo & Co products are carefully sourced. All the Armadillo & Co rugs have the KALEEN label, a certification which is issued by the Carpet Export Promotion Council of India, guaranteeing that child labour was not used in manufacture.
[ Armadillo & Co artisan preparing the weaving materials ]
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Every Armadillo & Co product is 100% handmade by the businesses extended family of artisans. From the hands of those who spin and dye the yarns, to the hands of the artisans who weave and finish each rug, each Armadillo & Co collection is infused with the rich history of ancient craftsmanship.
Armadillo & Co products are 100% handmade, using Fair Trade practices and are produced with natural and sustainable fibres.
At Armadillo & Co they uphold through the production process a key value of environmental responsibility. Says designers Jodie & Sally, "We strive for our products and processes to leave as little impact on the earth as possible, while using a ‘reuse, reduce and recycle’ philosophy. We are continuously working to conserve and reduce our resources and energy consumption as we grow."
Ardent supporters and members of Care & Fair, an initiative against illegal child labour in the carpet production industry in India, Nepal and Pakistan. Absolutely no children are in any way employed in the making of Armadillo & Co products.
[ Armadillo & Co artisan preparing materials ]
THE SOCIAL ELEMENT
Every Armadillo & Co purchase provides ongoing employment and helps sustain an industry of ancient craftsmanship.
Armadillo & Co understands artisans are integral to their local community’s livelihood and most importantly, they are carrying on a lineage that deserves preservation. Armadillo & Co, believes in giving back. "It’s the best way we can support those who give so much to us", says Jodie & Sally. "We are passionately committed to social responsibility and community involvement. It is vitally important to our brand to support local schools in our weavers’ villages, as well as The Anganwadi Project’s preschools in poverty stricken slums. Every purchase helps provide employment to our extended family of artisans, as well as education support to local schools in their villages and helps build brighter futures for children in underprivileged communities."
Armadillo & Co funds the running of a local school, which works along side Care & Fair India. “Care & Fair” is an initiative against illegal child labour in the carpet production industry in India, Nepal and Pakistan. The school caters for 450 children from 1st - 7th grade, many of whom are the children of the Armadillo & Co weavers. Armadillo & Co are ardent supporters and vocal advocates of this cause and naturally, absolutely no child labour is in any way employed in their rug making.
#StyledByDwell || URBAN GIFTING, ENTERTAINING AND STYLING IDEAS
Armadillo & Co. combine ethics with aesthetics and are a must have styling choice for any contemporary room. From the bedroom to your home entrance. Office to kitchen, the neutrality of the collection creates a considered statement that adds texture and interest to any space.
Small, subtle and impeccable quality the Armadillo & Co. Entrance collection is a perfect wedding, baby shower, birthday or house warming gifting choice.
Located in the boutique shopping district of the Ferry Road, Brickworks Centre, Dwell Store is the Gold Coast’s leading destination space for Urban and Contemporary living.
Dwell Store searches Australia and beyond for unique leading and emerging, functional design brands. We bring our clients an exclusive and discerning gifting and lifestyle edit that they demand and deserve.
Proudly representing more than 50 emerging international and Australian functional design brands including ; Aesop, Armadillo & Co,
Basil Bangs,
Byron Bay Beach Lifestyle, Elk Accessories,
Elms & King,
Iittala,
La La Land,
Marimekko,
Mayde,
Normann Copenhagen,
Palm Beach Collection,
MiGoals, Slip Pillowcase,
S’well Bottle + more.
Bespoke customisation is available for corporate clients and complimentary boutique gift wrapping is a given. Private out of hours appointments are available upon request.
Follow our brand discovery journey on
@dwellstore_australia and be sure to include us in your styling and gifting moments … #DwellWell
