The 10th edition Dubai Design Week (DDW) came to a close on Nov. 9, but we cannot stop thinking about one specific collection. Namely, a collaboration between luxury handmade carpet label Hands and renowned Slovenian designer Nika Zupanc. Known for their hand-knotted masterpieces, Hands has earned a reputation as one of the premier luxury carpet makers, dedicated to preserving the art of carpet weaving with an emphasis on craftsmanship and quality. Meanwhile, Zupanc, revered for her distinctive aesthetic that blends whimsy with elegance, has made her mark in the design world with her work in furniture, lighting, and interiors.
Together, they debuted a stunning collection of hand-knotted botanical silk carpets, dubbed KNOTION, which debuted at the Editions fair from Nov. 6 to 9. A series of 10 contemporary carpets, the pieces are “an exploration of the artistry behind knot-making and the symbolic journeys embedded in life’s paths,” combining Zupanc’s imaginative design sensibilities with Hands’ mastery in traditional carpet weaving.
The partnership came to fruition when Hands approached Zupanc with the idea of crafting a large-scale collection. Though new to carpet design on this scale, Zupanc was drawn to the opportunity to blend her modern aesthetic with Hands’ traditional craftsmanship. “It was a big inspiration to explore and deeply understand the history and origins of Hands, their tradition, goals, and vision. We shared a vision of creating something extraordinary that would enrich their portfolio, and I hope we succeeded,” Zupanc shared with MILLE.
To transform the concept into tangible art, the artist leaned into her meticulous design process. “The concept is always born out of thinking about a very specific task,” she explained. “It requires multiple sketches and trials to find the most significant ones.” For KNOTION, Zupanc’s process involved a dance between structure and spontaneity, captured in her signature use of bright, playful colors that bring an element of joy and freshness to each design. The result is a lively color palette woven through lines and curves, a reflection of the collection’s bold and sophisticated spirit.
Texture, a critical component in Zupanc’s work, also plays a pivotal role in KNOTION. The botanical silk—a luxurious, lustrous material—infuses the carpets with an ethereal softness and subtle sheen. “The texture, with its softness and shine, elevates the minimalistic designs, giving them a rich and special feel, almost as if touched by a golden light,” Zupanc noted.
“The simple act of fastening two ropes inspired an exploration of geometry, pattern, form, and scale in a playful yet sophisticated way,” the artist explained. By translating knots into patterns, she crafted visual narratives of life’s turns and paths—literal and symbolic. The collection becomes a map of potential journeys, celebrating the beauty and mystery of traversing time and space.
“Tradition shines through in the seamless color gradients and the bespoke quality of each piece,” Zupanc said, while the innovative approach breathes new life into the hand-knotted carpet industry. At this year’s edition of DDW, KNOTION left us contemplating the intersection of tradition and innovation. More than just a collection of carpets, they double as art canvases, each one telling a story–it’s a rare collection that stays with you long after you’ve seen it.
