Coinciding with the long-awaited return of real-life design-world events, COVER Connect New York hosted a select group of dynamic rug companies together from across North America and beyond, at The Altman Building, Manhattan, from September 25-27, 2021. Scheduled to take place the month that the world’s premier buyers traditionally look to source rugs in New York — COVER Connect New York was the first dedicated handmade rug show that many of the exhibitors and visitors had been able to attend in two years.
The show was viewed by many in the industry as an opportunity not-to-be-missed and a back-to-real-life-business buzz pervaded the intimate venue in Chelsea, Manhattan. The serious buyers in attendance — from top rug and furniture retailers—came mostly from across North America, given the ongoing international travel restrictions, and New York City’s COVID-19 protocols were strictly followed.
Striking, singular and unapologetically bold rugs, like Knots Rugs’ collaborative designs with British artist George Mortan-Clark sold fast, but retailers were also snapping up natural colors in warm tones and textural pieces, notably from Creative Matters’ new Macrame Collection, New Moon’s Navajo-inspired Mesa Collection and Samad’s Nordic Collection.
The Saturday night COVER Connect Party at Rug & Kilim’s new Long Island City showroom proved a joyous social occasion. The overwhelming response reported was one of satisfaction, excitement and a clear demand to make COVER Connect New York and annual event on the rug-buying calendar.