the aramantis ottoman collection
The bags in the Ottoman collection are made from highest quality Turkish leather and natural dyed wool fabrics originally woven as tent or other hangings by individual craftsmen & women from the various regions in Turkey. Many of the fabrics are over 50 years old and are cleaned and sorted before being mounted on a secure backing fabric and cut into the highly individual patterns that form these unique pieces.
The bags are lined with traditional fabrics that reflect the taste and opulence of the Ottomans and their court. Only the highest quality leather and YKK zips are used in their production.
Given the nature of the materials used, no two bags are identical. Irregularities in the weave, a natural fading of some of the colours and small imperfections are inherent in the nature of the organic dyes and hand weaving and the general history of the fabrics. These add to the unique charm of each piece.
These bags are hard wearing and, if treated with care, can last many years. Some may even become heirlooms! The wool softens and becomes more supple with use and can be cleaned either with brushing of e.g. dried on mud, sponging with cold water or spot treatment with a gentle upholstery cleaner. A small test area should be treated first to ensure the natural dyes do not run or fade.
All our bags are designed by aramantis together with our Turkish associate, and handmade by a team of craftsmen within ten minutes walk of both the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, in the beautiful Sultanahmet: the most historic and evocative area of Istanbul.
(*Different criteria apply to the Odalisque evening bags)