Last year, Lebanon’s October Revolution began just as Maria Hibri and Huba Baroudi, the founders of Bokja — a Beirut-based design studio that produces unique pillows and furniture made from fabric embroidered by local artisans — began designing their most recent collection. Hibri and Baroudi would go to a protest, and then run back to their atelier to finish their designs. Inspired by the atmosphere of collective purpose, the duo decided to build the collection around the theme of Solastalgia, a neologism put forth in 2005 by the philosopher Glenn Albrecht to reflect the emotional distress people feel as a result of environmental change.
One pillow is embroidered with a bird riding across a river on the head of an alligator, another is covered with the branches of Lebanese pine and cypress trees. A dozen pieces from the collection became available this month at Manhattan’s ABC Carpet & Home, just days before more urgent demonstrations, sparked by the deadly explosion in the city’s port on Aug. 4, led to the resignation of the current regime. Now, these pillows offer more than just physical comfort: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to various Lebanese NGOs feeding the nearly 300,000 Beirut citizens who are now homeless because of the blast. From $250-$450 US
Take a tour of Maria Hibri's Beirut home hit the link below
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Comments 2
Dear,
I am interested in buying 2-3 cushions, i would like to send you pictures of my sofas that you can find me unique ones that will fit nicely.
I have been to your shop a year ago, and i have seen the cushions at Hamza house in Abbey. I loved them.
So I am excited to have something nice to fit my sitting room.
How can i send you the pictures?
Author
Dear Randa, This is a blog about Bokja, there is a link at the bottom of the story to the shop, you will have to get in touch with them direct. They are beautiful cushions and in a great cause. Lorrie