The kaleidoscopic pattern that adorns this textile collection by New York studio Apparatus takes cues from a Persian inlaying technique.
The Isfahan series is the final output of Apparatus' ACT III collection, for which creative director Gabriel Hendifar looked to his Persian heritage for influences.

Featuring intricate, geometric patterns, the fabric design is intended as a reference the Persian Khatam ? a traditional inlaying technique that decorates objects with pieces of wood, metal and camel bone.
Khatam has become less popular but is still practiced in the Iranian city of Isfahan, giving the collection its name.

"The Isfahan textile balances ancient and modern geometry, remaining faithful to both its heritage and the studio's rich vocabulary," said the studio in a project description. Launched in 2018, Apparatus' ACT III home collection was initially sparked by a Khatam box that Hendifar's grandmother brought with her to the US after leaving Iran as a political refugee in 1979.

The studio, which Hendifar runs with partner Jeremy Anderson, had previously used the technique for another collection of objects for ACT III called Shiraz Khatam. However, US sanctions against trade with Iran prevented them from going ahead with production.

In response, Apparatus developed the Isfahan line in collaboration with French textile manufacturer Le Manach. The fabrics are available as a limited series of curtains and cushion covers.

These come in a variety of colour...