Lila Valadan
‘Every carpet holds a story. But the most revealing tale is always about the person who chooses it.
(Lila Valadan)
Lila Valadan is an award-winning Persian rug designer and a pioneer in the male-dominated world of Persian carpets. As the only female rug producer in Iran, she has redefined the art of rug making, merging centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Her dedication to excellence has earned her international recognition, including being a 9-time Carpet Design Award winner and an AD 100 nominee, cementing her status as one of the most influential designers in the field. Each rug she creates embodies deep cultural narratives, masterful techniques, and a passion for storytelling through texture and color. Committed to sustainability and ethical production, Lila works closely with artisans, preserving heritage while innovating for the future. Her collections have captivated global collectors, interior designers, and museums, making her a leading voice in redefining the art of Persian rugs.
‘Carpets are my dialogue with the world.’
Lila Valadan is also a family business, built on generations of Persian rug-making mastery. The art of rug making has been woven into her lineage for centuries, dating back to 19th-century Persia.
Carrying this rich legacy forward, Lila infuses every piece with history, craftsmanship, and a deeply personal vision. Each rug tells a story, meticulously crafted using the finest materials and time-honored techniques.Her journey began in 1984 when she and her husband, the legendary Mohammad Naziri, a renowned carpet collector, who brought to the West the tribal woven culture of Iran, traveled through the mountains and valleys of southern Persia in search of extraordinary rugs. They discovered that rug making was more than a craft for the nomads of old Persia—a love letter, a wedding gift, a symbol of devotion. The themes woven into these works predate Islam, yet their abstract, expressive nature resonates with modern aesthetics, echoing the spontaneity of European expressionist art.
For over 40 years, Lila’s husband ran his business on a single principle: “To be truly modern, you must come to terms with your tradition.
Her journey began in 1984 when she and her husband, a renowned carpet collector, traveled through the mountains and valleys of southern Persia in search of extraordinary rugs. They discovered that rug making was more than a craft for the nomads of old Persia—a love letter, a wedding gift, a symbol of devotion. The themes woven into these works predate Islam, yet their abstract, expressive nature resonates with modern aesthetics, echoing the spontaneity of European expressionist art.
For over 40 years, Lila’s husband ran his business on a single principle: “To be truly modern, you must come to terms with your tradition. Keeping this philosophy alive has always been the task. Tradition does not mean preserving the ashes but keeping the fire alive. This belief drives Lila Valadan’s work blends past and future to create timeless art.
Today, the next generation continues this journey. Lila’s son, Shayan, elevates the brand to new heights, ensuring its evolution while staying true to its heritage. Their network of weavers,
from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf, produces hand-knotted rugs that take years to complete—some with over five million knots. Persian rugs are among the most labor-intensive crafts, requiring patience, attention to detail, and decades of heritage. The rugs tell stories of humanity; it is said that a Persian carpet is the mirror of heaven, bringing the Garden of Eden into homes.
Lila Valadan’s philosophy values authenticity over perfection. In a world of mass production, where everything is a strategy, these rugs remain untouched by commercial intent. Small irregularities, subtle deviations, and natural color variations do not diminish their value but enhance their soul.
They reflect the belief that true beauty lies in imperfection—something science cannot explain.
Through her work, Lila Valadan merges poetry, love, and heritage, creating rugs that are textiles and timeless expressions of Persian culture.
