Mangas, from the Spanish word for 'sleeves', is a collection of rugs designed by Patricia Urquiola for the Spanish textile company Gandia Blasco. These rugs come in a variety of shapes and colours and look like hand-knitted jumpers laid flat. For this collection, Patricia Urquiola drew inspiration from woollen patchwork patterns created using various stitches, giving the effect of different knits assembled together. Shaped like balloons, bells or small lanterns, some of them stretched out, these rugs are part of the brand's 100% handmade Gan Rugs collection. The Mangas collection has won numerous international design awards since its launch in 2009.
Born in Oviedo in 1961, Patricia Urquiola attended the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the Polytechnic School of Milan, where she graduated in 1989 with Achille Castiglioni as her thesis supervisor. She was his assistant at the Polytechnic School of Milan from 1990 to 1992. From 1990 to 1996, she worked in the product development department for De Padova, where she collaborated with Vico Magistretti. In 1996, she became head of design at Lissoni Associati. In 2001, Patricia Urquiola opened her own design studio, where she works on design, installations and architecture. In 2005, together with her colleague Eliana Gerotto, Patricia Urquiola developed a collection of lighting for Foscarini. Their Caboche pendant, ceiling, floor and table lamps reinterpret the 1960s plastic bracelet-style crystal chandelier with pendants. After several European boutiques, she has just designed the interior architecture of the sublime Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona. Patricia Urquiola designs both outdoor furniture, with the Pavo real armchair, and accessories for Alessi.
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GAN
Gan is a family business based in Valencia and founded in 1941 by José Gandia Blasco (the father of the current director of the company, José Antonio). Gan initially specialised in the manufacture of blankets. Today, the company has two different product lines: Gan rugs and Gan bedding. However, Gan also conquered the furniture market and sells its products under the brand Gandia Blasco, with 15 collections in the sector. The brand's flagship products are its iconic rugs made from refined textiles, such as the Sail Gan Spaces rug. Gan presents the perfect balance between folklore and innovative shapes and patterns.