Stouls x Nada Debs is a collaboration that brings together the highest level of craftsmanship and culture. It oozes with passion for innovation and design, acting as a playful complement to any space. The fusion of hexagonal patterns super-imposed on a square-shaped leather grid create a geometric overlap. This blend speaks to many cultures and reminds us that geometry is a universal language.
KHAMSA sat down with the people behind this collaboration, Aurelia and Nada, to discuss everything about it and understand how it came to be.
(All images courtesy Stouls x Nada Debs)
١. You both come from distinct design backgrounds—one rooted in fashion and leather craftsmanship, the other in furniture and cultural storytelling. What sparked the idea for this collaboration, and how did your friendship influence the creative process?
“Our friendship is based on many levels that nourish our collaboration: an entrepreneurial sisterhood, our Mediterranean culture influenced by our far-east values (Nada grew up in Japan, my mother was Armenian), our respective disciplines where our creations evoke singular emotions and vibrations with colours brought to life. Our brands are united by the alchemy of exquisite materials and the craftsmanship of luxury.”
٢. STOULS is known for its second-skin leather garments, while Nada Debs’ work explores craftsmanship through material storytelling. How did you approach working with leather in new ways for this collaboration, and what was the biggest challenge in merging fashion with furniture?
Aurelia: “My inspirations to design clothes are very transversal. I used to be a shoe designer and the beginning of STOULS’s wardrobe was a “machine washable leather t-shirt”, a new concept on the market 20 years ago. Craftsmanship and technology are at the heart of my process. I was very interested that Nada could bring her sensitive and graphic interpretation on our ELINA’s bag. Working and brainstorming together was very natural. Our DNA are merging with our common values, as our femininity that is half rock, half sophisticated, half sexy!”
٣. Aurélia, you are often called an “alchemist of colour,” and Nada, your work is deeply tied to cultural symbolism. How did you blend your visions to create a colour story that reflects both of your aesthetics?
“After Nada proposed geometric shapes and patterns that define her visual language and perfectly match on the Elina’s bag and her iconic Floating Stool, I suggested two major tones coming from our ready-to wear (RTW) collections (ANETH acid Green and TOFFE hot Brown). Our bag’s concept is built on the art of upcycling our precious leftovers from the RTW. The idea was to let Nada create her vision of mixing colours from STOULS vast shade of colour palette. She infused joy and fun in the colour-mix!”
٤. Both of your brands emphasize handmade, high-quality craftsmanship and emotional resonance. How do you see this collaboration redefining “quiet luxury” and artisanal craftsmanship in today’s fashion and design landscape?
“Our creations have in common a feminine sophistication and a delicate refinement. Regarding timeless pieces, we are attached to the essence of the products we design. We both brand our names without logo on the products. The precision of details, whether they are colours, clothes or furniture, the highlight on quality of materials we use, and the singularity of our craftsmanship, are the signature of quiet luxury.”
٥. The ELINA’s Bag and FLOATING STOULS mark a beautiful synergy between your worlds. Do you see this collaboration evolving further? Are there new projects or creative intersections you’d love to explore together in the future?
Aurelia: “Collaborations nourish creativity when it makes sense. Welcoming another point of view and brainstorming with another discipline makes you grow and break your own rules. Nada and I have many occasions, so the future will tell!”
