New Techniques and New Technology
Who can forget seeing spits roasting giant slaps of cattle on country roads in Argentina?
Who does not love the country that invented chimmichurri sauce? Not to mention the tango!
Now the creative people of the pampas are founding a new industry from their famous cattle culture: rugs fashioned from custom cut and custom dyed cowhides.
We discussed these chic creations over a year ago. Since then hide rugs are growing in popularity.
And the Argentines keep adding new creative touches.
Take a look at the classical pattern appearing ghostlike in this gray hide.
Here is a closer look.
These patterns are burned into the hair and hide of the the cow skin with a laser - The Twenty-first Century Branding Iron!
Here's an abstract geometric design that has inspired some nice comment.
Designers like the hide rugs because they easily enhance the look of a contemporary room.
Tampa designer James Swann sent us this picture.
"My client likes herringbone," said Swann, "I saw the rug at Addison/Dicus & Bailey. I showed it to her. She bought it."
We like it too!
The Hide Rugs are working great in contemporary settings.
But they are showing well in traditional rooms as well.
Basic Stuff
There is a robust hide market in Argentina. Why wouldn't there be? Along with next door neighbor Brazil, Argentina produces nearly one quarter of the world's beef supply.
The hair of the hide is shaved to a uniform link. The hides are dyed. Dyes are modern and versatile. The dyers can match any color.
The rugs are tough, but are vulnerable to over exposure to the sun.