Since we first wrote about this ethical Italian design company, just over a year ago, they have gone from strength to strength. Having previously only been available to buy in Italy and UK, today Francesca Gasparotti, the founder of Sofar/Sonear, happily tells us that they are now also distributing in France, through their new partner Made in Live, Spain and are soon to be available in Dubai and Cyprus. We saw them in London, back in September last year, at 100% Design with their beautiful wool rugs that are handmade in Nepal. This weekend they will be at the Maison&Objet show in Paris. They are showing a new collection of wall decorations and accessories, made from wood, bamboo and fair trade silks. These are examples of their new bespoke design and production service for major retailers and fashion ateliers. Francesca also tells us that Sofar/SoNear has been listed among the 600 most innovative companies in Italy (out of a total of 500.000). To read more about how the company is leading the way in ethical and fair trade design you can read their Statement of Sustainable Values on their website. If you can’t make it to Paris this weekend then look out for the launch of their accessories collection at Pulse in London, 3-5 June. ::Sofar/SoNear
Maison&Objet, Paris 26-30 January, MADE IN LIVE HALL6 STAND G36.

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