From studying textiles in Milan to immersing herself in the art of handweaving in India, Olivia Moon’s path to founding Nodi – an artisanal rug and carpet brand – is one defined by craftsmanship and curiosity. With a deep respect for natural fibres and a discerning eye for design, she’s built a brand that brings together traditional techniques and contemporary design to create rugs and carpets that feel as good as they look. For this week’s Friday Muse, we talk creative inspiration, daily rituals, and the highly anticipated launch of Nodi’s first handcrafted wool carpet collection with Olivia Moon.
In conversation with Olivia Moon
You’ve spent time working in textiles and perfecting your craft in both Milan and India. How did those early experiences inform the way you wanted to work with textiles?
My journey with Nodi began with a deep love and curiosity with textiles. I lived and studied in Milan at the Institute of European Design. When I was studying in Milan I made and sold hand knotted necklaces – I’d cut fabric and hand knot it to create these unique textures. This experience taught me a deep appreciation for what it meant to make something by hand – it’s also where I discovered the word for knots in Italian – which is nodi.
My journey then took me to India, the home of handwoven textiles. Working with manufacturers, I learnt artisanal weaving methods, exploring and understanding what went into making high quality rugs and carpet.The rhythmic process of seeing how these textures came to life was mesmerising and taught me the fundamentals of how to make high quality rugs and carpet. For me the craft was always at the centre, and still remains that way.
You’re about to launch Nodi’s first handcrafted pure wool carpet collection. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind this collection and the process of finally bringing it to fruition?
This has been years in the making—architect friends kept nudging me to apply my rug sensibility to carpets. And so when we studied the market, everything felt the same, mass-produced and uninspiring. We wanted to create something that actually connected with how I see home: alive, comforting and personal.
Our collection focuses on contemporary colours and textures, handwoven from 100% wool, designed around how they feel underfoot. It’s an intentionally curated range with a nature-inspired palette that sits effortlessly in any interior. We’re very excited to be bringing it to market and have it in some of New Zealand’s top interiors already, working with designers such as Fearon Hay, Roberts Gray and Cheshire Architects.
Who or what is inspiring you creatively at the moment?
A collection of antique textiles I found at my favourite vintage store in NYC – they have beautiful floral embroidery, colour and pattern. I keep them on display in my home office and often pick them up. I also keep picking up my Anni Albers book – a German textile artist from the 20th century.
Do you have a go-to ritual or activity that helps you recharge and de-stress?
Every morning I start the day with cuddles, a cup of tea and a quick meditation. It sounds basic but having this as my daily ritual sets me up to start the day well.
How would you describe your personal style, and what influences it the most?
I’d say understated, eclectic and textured. You’ll always find texture on me or around me!
What’s your next focus for Nodi?
I’m excited about disrupting the rug and carpet category with high quality, hand crafted and totally unique textures. We’re currently exploring fibers and techniques that haven’t been widely used yet, finding ways to innovate and tread even more lightly on the earth while creating unique textures. We’re launching our range of carpet with select retail partners nationwide this month which we’re excited about.
Quick-fire questions
The next item on my wardrobe wishlist is… The Row Awar Ballerina Flat.
My next holiday destination… I’m a last minute kinda girl, hopefully Mexico.
My guilty pleasure is… Korean fried chicken.
My style icon is… Jane Birkin.
Three beauty products I can’t live without… Marie Veronique Multi Retinol Night emulsion, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50.
