March 9, 2026
A Rug, A Residency, A New Model for Collaboration
Several months ago, designer Julien visited Anou’s foundouk in Fes to explore the possibility of creating a new rug together.Instead of beginning with drawings sent over email, Julien spent time with our team in person — meeting artisans, discussing techniques, and exploring ideas through workshops. Those early visits eventually led to a week-long residency.
During the residency, Julien worked alongside Fatima Brahimi, Anou artisan leader and president of Cooperative Afous GAfous, in one of our weaving studios to explore color palettes, techniques, and the technical feasibility of the design.From those early experiments, Fatima and the cooperative she belongs to — Afous GAfous — began work on an ambitious piece: a five-meter diameter circular rug.
The yarns for the rug were spun and dyed at the Atlas Wool Supply Co. mill, before being delivered to the weaving group to begin the process.Throughout the weaving process, Julien returned several times to review the work and refine the design together with the artisans.
The result is not just a rug, but a collaboration that reflects a deeper way of working together. You can learn more about this collaboration on our latest Instagram Story here.
Why We Are Changing How Collaborations Work
For many years, collaborations between designers and artisans have often happened at a distance. Designs are sent digitally. Instructions are translated. Artisans execute the work. But this approach rarely creates true collaboration.
At Anou, we believe the most meaningful work happens when people spend time together — learning from each other, understanding materials and techniques, and developing ideas through the process.
Because of this, we are beginning to require that most design collaborations with Anou begin with time spent on the ground with our team. Designers, brands, and retail partners (and of course anyone interested in learning how to weave) are invited to join us through workshops and residency programs, where they can meet the artisans, understand the work, and experience the ethos behind Anou firsthand.
Join an Anou Residency
The goal of these residencies is simple:
To move beyond transactional collaborations and create relationships built on shared knowledge, mutual respect, and time spent working together. We believe this approach produces better work, stronger partnerships, and deeper connections between designers and the artisans who bring these pieces to life.
Our residency program invites designers, retailers, and collaborators to spend time with Anou’s network of artisans and workshops in Morocco. Residencies are hosted at Anou’s foundouk in Fes and with artisan groups across Morocco.
Due to strong demand, our residency calendar is booked through the end of October 2026 with pockets of availability in the meantime. We are now beginning to accept applications for 2027. If you’re interested in collaborating with Anou or participating in a residency, you can learn more here:
