Culture
Robert McKinley’s tapestries
Isle of Sand Tapestry.
Image courtesy of: Aelfie
We absolutely love the limited-edition tapestry collection of sun-soaked landscapes that have come about as a collaboration between Robert McKinley and Aelfie.
These two entities have a lot more in common than you would imagine at first glance. Briefly, Robert McKinley has fashioned some of the most significant hospitality venues in recent years such as The Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY and Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach, CA. The Brooklyn-based Aelfie was launched in 2012 as a rug company with many antique tribal rugs and some original designs. Their rugs are handmade in Northern Indian using traditional methods native to the region.
A common area at Hotel Joaquin… California boho-chic!
Image courtesy of: Robert McKinley
The dreamy tapestries were originally designed by McKinley for the boutique hotel, Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach. Initially when it was acquired, the property was known as The Motor Inn Laguna Beach, a roadside motel that had become dilapidated and out of date. The designs by Robert McKinley are chic and fun; inspiration was taken from St. Barths aesthetics, Southern California beach culture in the 1950s, and the aura of the Mediterranean coast.
Sun Dipped Tapestry.
Image courtesy of: Aelfie
The Robert McKinley X Aelfie collection features six graphic textiles that reference how light and architecture interact during early morning sunrises and dwindling evening light as the sun is setting.
The tapestries also capture the feeling of peace that is present when the sea is near. The varying textures are intended to replicate the movement that occurs from the breeze over the sea and sand… fleeting sensations!
Only ten of each landscape was produced!
Image courtesy of: Aelfie
The tapestries can be rugs and vice-versa. Made of 100% wool, the flat weave textiles are handwoven in India using two types of flat-weaving techniques and one type of hand-knotting technique. They are woven on a traditional floor loom with cottage industry weavers.
Regardless of whether they are used as a rug or a tapestry, they are all a standard 44″ x 56″. The original versions are hanging at Hotel Joaquin and they are gorgeous; however, the ones for purchase can create the same dream-like coastal vignettes.
The palate is stunning and filled with rich blues, pale pinks, and bright oranges. It makes you feel as though you can almost touch the oasis!
Image courtesy of: Architectural Digest
About fine-tuning his weaving skills, McKinley said, “It was interesting to learn what we could or couldn’t do. Certain line weights and curves couldn’t be achieved, but that’s what gives them their unique feeling. It’s all about the angles light creates, its color, and how it changes the color of objects in a room.”
