I’ve just discovered Tu Textiles, a company based in Beijing and specialising in organic cotton cushions. The company’s two founders are from Australia and the US, and while living as expats in Beijing, were frustrated by the lack of good quality fabrics, so decided to set up Tu Textiles.
I met one of the founders recently when she was back in Sydney, and was impressed with the company’s commitment to ethical and environmentally-friendly production methods. I also loved the celebration of traditional Chinese symbols and architecture.
Before launching the company, they spent months speaking to countless printers and weavers to find the most ecologically sound methods possible. The designs are printed onto GOTS-certified organic fabric, with every step in the production process meeting international ethical and ecological standards. They use the latest digital printing methods with water-based inks (although not strictly organic, they are considered extremely safe). They then have the fabric sewn into cushions in Beijing at independent workshops, allowing them to support local businesses and craftsmanship.
Why organic? Making textiles can be very toxic, from the pesticides used in growing the fibers to the chemicals used in printing. Also, water and energy are often wasted in the process. All this contributes to soil, air and water pollution. Tu Textiles believes that supporting and encouraging cleaner, greener textile production is one way to make the world a healthier place.
The designs are a fresh, contemporary take on Chinese patterns, symbols, and architectural details that have been around for hundreds of years. It’s a great mix of old and new, East meets West. The designs are classic, timeless and sophisticated, yet have a freshness and uniqueness to them. The colours are bold and energetic, and many cushions come in several colourways to suit any interior.
Below: Inspiration for the fabric designs
Below: the cushions sold at Yellow Front Door. Only $79 including delivery
Above: Imperial Gate organic cotton cushion cover
This stunning architectural design was inspired by Feng Huang Tower (or Phoenix Tower) at Shenyang’s Imperial Palace. The tower was cherished by Manchu emperors who witnessed the sunrise each morning from the top. The cover is reversible with a grey and white geometric design on the back. It has white piping and an invisible zip.
Above: Lotus Root organic cotton cushion cover
This cushion features the lotus root, a symbol of true love and inspiration for the sentiment “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. though brown on the outside, inside lotus roots are white and pure, filled with clean, pure water. The cover is reversible with a grey and white geometric design on the back.
Above: Ocean in Teal organic cotton cushion cover
This pattern is inspired by the ocean, a force of nature that has played a huge role in shaping China’s history. Fleets of enormous Chinese junks were sent by the Ming Emperor Zhu Di across the China Sea to East Africa and India. The cover is reversible with the back in the same pattern but opposite colours. It has white piping and an invisible zip.
Buy these beautiful, environmentally friendly and socially aware cushions online at: http://www.yellowfrontdoor.com.au/cushionsonline/