Ariee (pronounced Aaryyae) is a family business founded by husband and wife Ardi and Arjela Kule. Arjela (pronounced Ariela) is a textile engineer and fashion designer while Ardi is a multimedia designer. The idea of making handmade kilims and rugs has been around Ardi's head since 2002 when he started looking for ways to promote Albanian history and culture through digital art. The art of weaving
was still present in Albania and through extensive research, Ardi's commitment to the idea became more prominent. On the other hand Ardi's grandmother had been a weaver until 18 years of age and her kilims were still available in the family after more than 60 years, so there was already a source for inspiration. When Ardi met Arjela back in 2006, it was almost like a foretold event. Arjela was an undergraduate in textile engineering and she was very much into fashion. They had to wait, however, until Arjela would finish her studies in Tirana and also complete a one year scholarship in Fashion Design in Academia della Moda, in the Italian city of Naples. Five years ago Ardi and Arjela finally decided to start a business that would integrate both their professions and their personal life as a couple with the traditions and culture of their people. The business employs around 10 people and contributes directly and indirectly to the economies of about 25 people. We consider our employees as friends and always strive to live by this philosophy. Ariee uses mostly natural materials for all of its products. The wool that we use in our rugs, kilims and pillows comes from an endemic sheep breed called Ruda. The wool is bought directly from the shepherds and processed in their own workshop. Other materials are cotton, and where ultimately necessary, like for example, in the warp yarns, polyester and acrylic. Ariee is a "designer's company". That means that we offer custom designed or personalized products that fit seamlessly with your interior. Send us a message and we will be happy to discuss with you about your project.
