Celebs may dominate the red carpet, but anyone of us "unknowns" can walk proudly down the green carpet by simply selecting decorative rugs that are not just works of art but also sustainable works of heart.
A great example are the upbeat, hand woven Tibetan designs of Alicia Keshishian. The artist/fashion illustrator pours her soul and heritage into the Tall Grass, Basket, Breezy and other organic weaves that comprise her "Carpets of Imagination" sold at Eco-Terric, a great resource for sustainable style.
The wool carpets, sold in a variety of sizes from about $90 to $106 per square foot, are crafted with century-old techniques at child labor-free facilities in Nepal. They also are free of toxic chemicals and incorporate veggie dyes to ripen the gorgeous hues in the whimsical patterns.
Keshishian says she gets her rug savvy from her grandpa, who was a renowned rug expert with a successful carpet business in Washington D.C. The business is still managed by her uncle and cousin.
"As long as I can remember, the smell of the wool, the touch of the fibers, the variety of patterns all feel like home to me," says the artist.
Her work helps guarantee a safer home for children, as well, with a percentage of her profits going to Rugmark┞¢, the organization which certifies child-free facilities and runs a campaign to combat the rampant child labor in Nepal.
