Oumnia

Of Persian and Lebanese origins and raised in London, Nivine Mohamed Maktabi has followed family tradition and driven her passion for textiles and art into a career. Having studied the History of Carpets and Textiles at Sotheby’s institute in London UK, she decided to introduce Carpets and Kelim Culture in 2006, with a design touch adding her own creations influenced by her Middle Eastern roots and Oriental background.

Nivine established the boutique “Oumnia”, meaning her “Wish” in Arabic, in Saifi Village, Beirut Lebanon in 2006. It is a concept store specializing in handwoven decorative carpets with a story or a message, suiting modern and western interiors, and statement Pashmina scarves. Nivine’s designs are a reflection of her multifaceted upbringing. She combines her artistic background with her rich Persian/Middle Eastern heritage, focusing on the traditional values of craftsmanship and artisanship mixed with a modern sensibility.

Today, most of Nivine’s designs are executed on both a one-off, limited-edition signed carpets and very soft pashmina and cashmere shawls, as a fashion accessory that holds a story. In addition to her creation line, Nivine writes travel articles of her various trips in the Orient to share with her curious clientele, and gives lectures on the history and the development of the carpet industry at various venues.

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