Safavieh rolls out new rugs

By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 2/4/2002 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Handmade area rug importer and manufacturer Safavieh has introduced a new line of handmade rugs in contemporary designs and bright colors designed by artist and designer Walter Nicholas.

The collection, launched last month at the Atlanta International Area Rug Show, is titled Walter Nicholas by Safavieh.

The collection falls in Safavieh's average price point range of about $1,000 to $1,200 for a 6' x 9', and the line targets specialty and department stores.

In other company news, Safavieh was a recipient of the AmericasMart Magnificent Carpets Award at the Atlanta International Area Rug Show (see below). Safavieh won the award for its Tibetan 417A rug (TB417A), a loop-weave background with a flat weave silk inlay to give it luster.

Here are the winners of the AmericasMart Magnificent Carpet Awards at the Atlanta International Area Rug Show held in mid-January.

General:

$0 to $69:

Safavieh

$650 to $1,250:

Nourison

$1,250 to $1,900:

Atlas Rug Corp.

$1,901 to $2,500:

Anadol Rug Co.

$2,501 to $3,000:

Feizy Rug Imports

$3,001 to $3,500:

Pacific Collection

$3,501 and more:

Art Resources

Machine-made:

$0 to $100: Home Dynamix

$101 to $200: AMS Imports

$201 to $400: Oriental Weavers, Sphinx division

$401 to $1,000: Karastan

$1,001 and more: Karastan

Best Contemporary Design:

Nargizian

Best Antique:

Eliko Antique and Decorative Rugs