Author: Unison

In celebration of our 15th Anniversary, we take a look back at the history of our original textile collection and the formation of our design values. Unison’s Co-Founder and CEO, Robert Segal shares the personal story and pursuit of textiles which established our brand in 2006.

Our love and pursuit of textiles started from an early age for both Alicia and I. Alicia’s stems from her mother’s side coming from a long line of tailors from France, influencing her appreciation for fine material and fashion design. While mine was the exposure of Marimekko fabric with Crate & Barrel being a part of our family. Seeing how art and graphics applied to fabric and brilliant use of colors could transcend an interior environment and clothing was very inspiring for both of us. With interiors, understanding how bedding, upholstery and tablecloths could enhance and bring warmth into the living environment was especially influential in the growth of Unison.

Fast forward to the mid/late 1990’s, Alicia and I found ourselves pursuing degrees in photography and textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design. This lead to an internship at Marimekko and eventually moving to Finland upon graduation to work for the company. There, we spent almost 5 years working as product designers and stylists/photographers. We immersed ourselves in the brand and learned how to take an idea from sketch to market, while upholding quality production and craftsmanship. Marimekko was a major influence in furthering our education. Being very young, we were fortunate to be in an environment that nurtured our talents.

Upon the founding of Unison in 2006, we felt the same commitment to uphold quality production and brand integrity with good design and responsible manufacturing. We strived to produce as much as possible in the United States, as we saw the resurgence of domestic production and preserving textiles manufacturing and jobs. However, there were some higher barriers of entry on the bedding production side and a more complex supply chain to navigate. Thus, we were fortunate to have made solid connections in Portugal to see our designs for our bedding collection be realized through a cohesive manufacturing process. Where our artwork and designs could be, they were applied directly to their process of in-house screen making, screen printing or rotary printing, cut and sew, and quality assurance and packaging.

Additionally, a key part of working in Portugal was the assurance that the factories had been Oeko-Tex® certified. This certification eliminates the use of harmful chemicals within the manufacturing process, providing not only a safer end product for the customers, but safe for the environment, clean run-off water and proper conditions for the workers. We always made it our standard to meet in person with our manufacturing partners to assure the conditions and quality meet our expectations. Vetting out partners in person did take time and travel, but it was worth the effort for the results we strived to obtain. Thus, we conducted preliminary trips to Portugal to find the right partner not only in production standards, but who also believed in us early in our company’s lifecycle. We understood the value in building these relationships and we became better designers by knowing the capabilities, techniques, strengths and weaknesses of the production process.

With our domestic production pursuit, we were able to locate two legacy US printers on the East Coast and utilize their core strengths to print our fabrics. One factory offering hand silk screen printing, while the other using rotary equipment to produce minimal stripe patterns, which were converted into throw pillows and eventually into a table linen collection. In addition, we were able to source our down fill supplier in Michigan. Again, we visited the factories to make sure the quality and mindset were aligned with our vision. Lastly, we partnered with a local Chicago-based sewer to convert the printed fabrics into throw pillows. Our debut collection included patterns that were based on both graphic elements and photography. Our Larch pattern was a tree silhouette in a large-scale repeat that could be paired with minimal designs such as Martin, which had a center stripe in a strategic placement on the pillowcase. Being able to work in person with our sewer, we were able to achieve this technical aspect while still being very efficient with the fabric use.

Featuring these contrasting elements and motifs was an essential part of the Unison design philosophy. We believe that patterns and products should be able to work well together in balance or stand strongly on their own, be gender neutral and above all integrate well into one’s home. The presence of textiles 15 years later within the Unison collection is still very important to us. Not only does it represent our roots, but also signifies how timeless design is crucial in our daily lives. Be it bedding, throw pillows, bath towels or napkins, our belief is that the visual and physical warmth of textiles made with quality and integrity can result in enhancing our lives and homes.

Robert Segal
Unison Co-Founder + CEO

 

 

 

Whether you’re working from home or attending classes online, you deserve a space that works for you. We’ve found pieces with intriguing stories and thoughtful designs that will spark your next great idea. Promote your home office to a space that’s truly clean and inspiring.

Lighting is an essential component of any office. Start with a Workshop Pendant Lamp and you’ll have instant atmosphere. Designed as a workshop lamp for craftspeople, this spun aluminum pendant lamp was designed by Axel Wedel-Madsen in 1951, but it wasn’t put into production until recently with Made by Hand in Denmark. A craftsman himself with a deep understanding of materials, techniques and attention to detail, Wedel-Madsen’s lamp is as relevant today as it was when first designed. Its classic style fits into so many spaces and is a timeless, useful design.

Equally important to lighting is having a solid surface for working. The Whitebird Writing Desk is crafted from solid white oak with black powder coated steel legs. Its slim profile and two push-to-open drawers make it versatile enough to function as a writing desk in small spaces, as a drop spot in entryways or even as a console table behind a sofa.

It pairs naturally with the On & On Black Stacking Chair, designed by Barber & Osgerby for Emeco. Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby founded their London studio in 1996 and are widely known for their diverse body of work, spanning industrial design, furniture, lighting and site-specific installations. Their emphasis on innovative, experimental design came together with Emeco’s reputation for well-made, sustainable creations to form this new version of a simple and timeless cafe chair. Designed to use as little material as possible, the body is made of recycled PET from plastic bottles and is extremely lightweight, allowing it to be shipped with low carbon emissions.

Despite its light weight and sustainable materials, the On & On Chair is extremely strong and durable, making it suitable for use both indoors and out. It even features a small hole in the center of the seat to drain rainwater when used outside. If you’re short on space, it’s the perfect chair to accompany your desk during the day, your dining table in the evening and your patio on the weekends. Stack up to seven and tuck them away, ready to be whisked out for guests at a moment’s notice.

The final element to round out your home office: accessories. At Unison, we’re passionate about seeking out the highest quality and most thoughtful designs, even with the smaller details. Founded in 1977 by Oscar Lepre, the stationery brand Ellepi is the perfect example of producing simple, smart designs. Located in the Lombardy region of Italy, their industrial steel products are still power-coated individually, by hand.

In 1984, Lepre designed their signature Klizia 97 Staplers in a shape that references the whale. Each stapler is a work of craftsmanship and is assembled and tested by hand. Very simple to refill, you simply unhook and remove the spring, gently push staples down the track and return the spring to secure the staples. These staplers were part of our previous offering and were brought back in celebration of our 15 Year Anniversary.

Complete the minimal, colorful look with a set of Ellepi’s Steel Bookends, available in a range of six colors. The neat lines of these L-shaped bookends are versatile enough for any room you choose – your home office, living room or bedroom. Place them on a book shelf or use them on top of your desk for a splash of color.

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One of the founding principles of Unison is offering objects that are both modern and timeless. The Toyo Tumblers, part of our assortment since 2013, fit the bill. Originally drawn to it for its proportion and simplicity, this glassware collection is versatile in both casual and formal settings. The legendary production quality of the Toyo-Sasaki Glass factory is its enduring mark.

Created in 2002, Toyo-Sasaki Glass is the merging of two historic, accomplished Japanese companies – Toyo Glass Co. and Sasaki Glass Co. Their combined legacy dates back to 1878 during the Meiji Era, helping pioneer Japan’s domestic glassware industry. As the world moved into modern times in the late 1910s and early 1920s, the companies continued to focus on quality and advanced glassmaking technologies. 

In 1967, Sasaki Glass Co. created Hard Strong glass – Japan’s first commercialized glass-rim strengthened glassware brand. This “HS” glass is known for its safety, quality and value, making it a top brand in hospitality and foodservice industries. A version called “HS Blue” is applied to our Toyo Stackable Bowls. HS Blue is a toughening treatment that is applied only to the glass edge, which results in a durable and safer glass.

Proceeding as a unified company, Toyo-Sasaki Glass developed an exclusive, innovative soda-lime material called “Fine Clear.” This Fine Clear glass is hard, light and ultra-smooth with a comparable clarity and brightness to crystal, yet the strength and durability of traditional soda-lime glassware. Fine Clear glass can be found in our Toyo Tumblers and Stackable Bowls.

Available in small, medium or large, the clear Toyo Tumblers are sturdy and dishwasher safe. With the range of sizes, they adapt to fit your needs, be it water, orange juice or an evening cocktail. Fill them using our Toyo Clear Pitcher – it’s easy to hold in your hand and serves beverages effortlessly using the efficient pour spout.

Complete your Toyo Collection with the newest member of our line: the Stackable Bowl. Whether you’re enjoying a quick snack or hosting friends and family for a special occasion, this glass bowl is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Fill one with berries, nuts or chocolate since it’s the perfect vessel to hold your favorite treats. Winner of the Good Design Award in 2010, these sleek, small glass bowls are attractive, stackable and dishwasher safe.

The perfect blend of practicality and legendary craftsmanship, our Toyo glassware is made using the refined techniques of Japanese glass making where each artisan glassmaker has spent a minimum of 15 years perfecting their craft. When you hold each object in your hand, you feel the quality and tradition that’s built into each piece.

Shop The Toyo-Sasaki Collection Here

 

Since Fall 2017, Unison has been proud to include placemats from New Market Goods in our assortment, starting with the Ripple placemat, then later introducing the Tira and Ceke placemats. Two friends, Stephen Kennedy and Muntasir Mamun, started the brand with a mission to redefine what it means for a product to be “Made in Bangladesh.” For them, it means blending modern designs with traditional weaving techniques and highlighting positive production practices.

To learn more about the background of New Market Goods and the incredible stories behind their team and products, we had a conversation with co-founder Stephen Kennedy.

Q: What is the overall mission of New Market Goods?

A: Our mission is to help redefine what it means to be “Made in Bangladesh” by marrying contemporary designs with traditionally woven textiles. Bangladesh is the second-biggest producer of clothing in the world, but so little of what comes out of the country is actually tied to the textile or artisan tradition there. On our frequent trips there we’ve been endlessly inspired by the people, textiles, and vibrancy found in every corner. New Market Goods was formed with the goal of better understanding and highlighting positive production practices that can exist.

My friend Muntasir Mamun and I started the brand in partnership with Deshal, a factory founded by three friends—Aditya Kanak, Ishrat Jahan, and Sabuj Saddiki—which has been producing its own line sold locally in Dhaka for over fifteen years. Our relationship with Deshal’s founders extends beyond just partnership for cutting and sewing—they’re also co-owners of NMG. We think this international collaboration creates a shared incentive model; the Bangladesh team trusts us to figure out what’s going to work in the market in the US, and we trust them to push the parts of their craft and their tradition that they’re excited to share.

Q: What does Fair Trade mean to New Market Goods and your artisans?

A: For us, “fair trade” goes beyond an absolutely necessary baseline of ensuring living wages, legal age requirements, and safety in the workplace. It’s being on a first-name basis with the men and women who weave, sew, and help design the vibrant products that define our brand. When we started working with Deshal, we sat down with every single factory worker and asked how long they’ve been there, what their hobbies are, what dreams they have. 

There’s also definitely a challenge in terms of creating long-term careers. The leadership team at Deshal helps identify people who show potential to become the most talented block-printer or screen printer or patternmaker on their team and really fosters their training—even if it means that they may eventually leave their factory. But worker retention remains one of the best indicators of a positive work environment: the majority of them have been with Deshal for over three years, many over five years. Deshal also provides on-site childcare and pooled resources for healthcare for its employees.

Building these relationships based on respect for each other is our take on radical transparency, instilling a commitment to a positive shared outcome for everyone involved.

Q: Where are the placemats made?

A: Our placemats are made in a village in Bangladesh called Borodiya in the Narsingdi district east of the capital Dhaka. We work with an artisan family there run by Anwar Hossain. His father started their weaving practice fifty years ago with four looms. 

Q: How are the placemats made? Can you provide any specifics on the tradition and history of the weaving techniques?

A: Our placemats are designed by our team and then woven on handlooms using a specific technique Tatee Anwar calls “Chittaranjan” (“Tatee” is the Bangla designation for a weaver). While the technique is rooted in Bangladeshi culture, its application to tabletop products like placemats and table runners is contemporary—it’s more traditional in Bangladesh to eat on a mat on the floor rather than at a table. 

Handwoven mats are still used in Bangladesh by most families for a wide variety of daily uses. Mat weaving could be very simple or complex depending upon the design and material. These materials are mostly natural: jute, cotton, coconut coir, dried leaves of coconut, dates, and straw are among the very common materials that have been in use for hundreds of years in the Ganges Delta.

The large wooden frame loom used in weaving these mats was developed over 100 years ago by an artist named Chittaranjan. Looms are often operated directly in weavers’ own homes. The frame construction allows for a relatively high degree of precision with coarser yarns and apparently has influenced European weaving techniques. While most of the industry has transitioned to automatic, machine-powered looms, Tatee Anwar’s artisans operate their looms entirely by skillful hand.

Q: What do partnerships with companies like Unison Home mean to New Market Goods?

A: I love seeing our products in the Unison Home catalog thanks to our partnership! Because we focus mainly on woven textiles, it’s so cool to see our pieces in the context of a well-curated collection of goods with other material qualities, like the beautiful ceramics, glassware, and wooden furniture that Unison carries. 

This partnership is a perfect combination of design aesthetics and company values. Their emphasis on building relationships with the artisans they partner with, in combination with their modern interpretations of traditional weaving techniques, makes working with New Market Goods a natural fit. We love that our customers can purchase New Market Goods placemats knowing they’re getting a quality product that has been thoughtfully designed and crafted by Bangladeshi artisans.

   

Shop Ripple Ribbed Placemats

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Shop Tira Ribbed Placemats

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Shop Ceke Ribbed Placemats

The Windsor-style chair has a storied history, allegedly becoming popular when King George II took refuge from a storm in a peasant’s cottage and, so impressed by its comfort, asked his own artisans to copy the design for Windsor Castle. English settlers introduced the chair to America in the 1700s, bringing them from England because they were lightweight and easy to travel with or move around a room.

They were used both indoors and outdoors with a variety of woods, colors and back styles, though the American version eventually developed without the “splat” central back piece that was common in Britain. These chairs became synonymous with the Founding Fathers and traditional Americana design. The classic style has taken on myriad variations over the years, and this clean-lined, decidedly modern version has become a favorite in many of your homes and in our catalog.

Introduced to Unison in 2017, the Ironica Chair takes inspiration from the original Windsor-inspired design. This was the very first dining chair we introduced into our furniture collection. We admired the chair in 2008 when we photographed it with a table linen collection for the catalog and returned to it for various photoshoots before adding it to our assortment. Attracted to its modern interpretation of a design, we love that it feels at home in both traditional and modern settings.

Available in a range of colors, its striking comb back establishes a strongly geometric silhouette, while its gently curved seat makes a commitment to comfort. The steam-bent, saddle-style seat is a signature feature of the Ironica Chair and its shape allows its occupant to sit easily at a desk, table or gathered around a fireplace for hours on end. Its seven tapered, hand-smoothed spindles and frame are lightweight, yet sturdy, making it a versatile piece of furniture. 

Each chair is made with solid beech wood using mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, which lends strength, durability and the ability to withstand the natural expansion and contraction of wood. The kiln-dried, natural beech wood is finished with a transparent water-based lacquer to keep each chair looking newly-made for years to come.

These chairs are built from PEFC-certified wood, which has been harvested according to the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Each piece is manufactured to reduce the amount of unusable waste, from the selection of raw materials through product construction and packaging.

That versatility is a key component of what we look for when expanding our collection at Unison. We love the idea that these chairs can hold a permanent position around a dining table or be tucked here and there into living spaces and bedrooms, so you’re prepared for the moment a larger group gathers. It’s also become a tried and true favorite desk chair, creating a professional and comfortable workspace without sacrificing good design. Wherever you decide to put the Ironica Chair, you’ll find it feels right at home.

Shop The Ironica Chair

 

Evolving a print is a bit like writing a story. It starts with one iteration, and then ventures in different directions, and ends up in shapes and forms you never imagined.Like a good book, we’ve enjoyed the journey of our Sashi Geo print. It originated as a wallpaper pattern, and went on to be applied to duvet covers, sheet sets and pillowcases in both a Gray and Navy.

To fully appreciate this ever-expanding story of Sashi Geo, you have to know the inspiration behind it. For more insight, we asked Unison’s co-founder Robert Segal.

Q: What sparked the idea for Sashi Geo?

A: In dreaming it up, we took cues from Japanese small prints. Historically, they’re singular motifs arranged in tight repetition — and all hand drawn for an organic quality.

Q: Why start with wallpaper?

A: With the wallpaper collection overall, we looked to offer simple geometric patterns in a neutral palette. Sashi Geo in particular is meant to be a quiet design… very much a backdrop offering. Also, we felt that, being handprinted, the wallpaper really emphasizes designs that reflect handwork. The hand-drawn mark is more appealing to the eye with the amount of coverage used in wallpaper.

Q: For application onto bedding, how did the print take a transformative turn?

A: It’s an abbreviation on Japanese Sashiko stitching and geometric structure. As bedding, it feels more a part of the fabric — almost stitched down rather than purely on the surface.

What will the next chapter bring for Sashi Geo? One can only imagine. Meanwhile, explore all the options this print has to offer.

 

Sashi Geo Navy Duvet Cover

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Sashi Geo Navy Sheets

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Sashi Geo Gray Duvet Cover

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Sashi Geo Gray Standard Pillowcase Set of 2

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Sashi Geo Black Wallpaper

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We love to bring the outdoors in. Natural elements — from botanicals to woods to earthy shades — lend a sense of calm to a space. And when they have a good story behind them, all the better.

Enter our Makaua Basket Collection, which is handmade from natural palm leaves. The tale of their creation is just as compelling as their appearance; they’re crafted by artisan families in Mexico, who use traditional hand-braiding techniques passed down through generations.

From Past to Present
The art of basketry in Mexico goes as far back as the pre-Hispanic period, pre-dating ceramics and the manipulation of fire. Originally baskets were purely functional; they were used as simple containers for gathering and storing foodstuffs. Today, they are of course appreciated for their decorative aspects, as well as their functionality.

Some 500 families have been involved with and positively impacted by Makaua baskets since they were first made in 2002. It started when Makaua’s founders stumbled upon a palm placemat in a Mexican market. They recognized it was a meaningful discovery and went searching for the people who made it. That was the start of what is now an ever-growing network of artisans devoted to weaving brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Makaua believes in creating beautiful handmade products for the home that represent a story and the person who made it. By adding the element of modern design, they strive to create contemporary pieces that represent and communicate this merging of tradition and timeless simplicity. The company and their pillars are a shining example of what we believe it means to Live In Unison – true connections, simple beauty, excellent quality and an emphasis on the future, making sure we leave behind a healthy planet for the next generations.

A Heartfelt Process
The word Makaua means “hand to hand” or “giving a hand” in the ancient Nahuatl language. It’s a sentiment that speaks to not only the handmade quality of each Makaua product, but also the positive impact the process has on the makers’ quality of life.

The local artisans are responsible for the entire process, including foraging in the hills for the palm leaves, hand-braiding the leaves together, dyeing the braids and sewing them together. No detail is left unattended to. Even small things matter, like making sure the leaves are cut, boiled and left to dry in the sun for 3-4 days after they’re harvested (this makes their texture easier to manipulate).

Most of the construction takes place within the artisans’ homes, where they utilize braiding techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. The type of palm used is unique to these traditions as well. The scientific name for these palms is Brahea Dulcis, but it is also commonly referred to as Blue Rock Palm. Specific to the subtropical climates in Mexico, this natural material is inherently linked to the rich cultural history of Mexican palm basketry. Makaua’s network of artisans not only create beautiful and timeless pieces, but have allowed us to bring a piece of Mexican culture into everyday lives around the world, fostering beautiful connections between people, process and art.

Our Makaua Selection
We work with Makaua to bring you a selection of designs that are form and function — and look truly at home anywhere.

Loma Baskets

Available in 15.75” and 19.5”, these baskets are both strong and functional. Store anything from shoes to throw blankets inside and use the sturdy handles to transport them from room to room. Mix and match the Ochre, Black and Gray banded colors and sizes to set the scene for your modern home.

Round Baskets

Comes in four sizes, from 8” (a catchall for all of life’s little things) up to 14” (for magazines, toys, more) and in Black or Gray. Of course they look good alone as purely decorative pieces; and if you have a variety of sizes, they can neatly nest in each other. This style is neutral on the inside and has a dyed outer band — which adds that element of modern boldness.

Storage Baskets With Lids

Available in 13” and 14.75” – the two sizes nest in each other. Whether you choose the Black or Gray, take advantage of the lid and keep what you’re stashing out of sight. Outfit the entire room and add the matching Waste Basket and Large Hamper.

Natural Nido Basket

“Nido” means “nest” in Spanish. Consider the Natural Nido Basket your safe place for just about anything — and take advantage of the leather handle for easy portability. Make it a set with the Natural Tall Floor Basket.

Round Placemats

Great for an outdoor dinner party, as well as everyday meals. The circular breaks convention and adds interest, as does the texture of the hand-braided weave. Available in Black or Gray.

Shop our entire collection of Makaua items here.

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One of the pillars of Unison is sustainability, so naturally we are invested in finding products that are not only good for our customers, but also good for the environment. We want you to be able to rest easy knowing your bedding complements your modern home and doesn’t harm Mother Nature in the process. Hemp offers the perfect solution for bedding that looks beautiful, feels soft and is earth-friendly.

At Unison, we love products that are multifaceted and can be used season after season, year after year. One of the many reasons we chose hemp for our Natural Bedding Essentials is that it’s breathable and designed for year-round use, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Our Ivory Hemp Bedding Collection is crafted in Portugal from 100% hemp and is Oeko-Tex® certified, meaning you can buy with confidence knowing that the collection is safe from harmful substances. It’s also piece-dyed and garment washed, so it’s already incredibly soft when it arrives at your home.

Hemp has been used as a fabric for thousands of years thanks to its durability and breathability. The fabric was used for everything from ship sails to the first blue jeans, but its versatility goes beyond that – hemp pulp can be used to make paper, hemp fiber can be mixed with other materials to make building supplies and even car manufacturers have started using hemp composites in their cars.

What Is Hemp

The hemp plant, or Cannabis sativa, boasts a multitude of benefits for farmers and the environment as a whole. It is naturally resistant to most pests, eliminating the need for excessive pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Hemp grows in a variety of climates and soil types and can be planted in tight spacing, using approximately half as much land as a plant like cotton needs, and with about half the water.

Because of the damage crops do to the soil, farmers often have to implement a fallow period after harvests – a period of time in which they don’t plant new seeds and allow the soil to recover. Unlike most crops, hemp actually improves the health of soil and absorbs CO2 while it grows, meaning farmers don’t have to use a fallow period and can plant immediately after the hemp harvest. These fascinating plants are carbon negative from day one and a natural way to clean up soil pollution.

About The Fabric

Once hemp is harvested, the outer layers are made into fibers that are woven into textiles. This fabric is light, durable, breathable and antimicrobial. Its drape and feel are comparable to linen, which is made from flax fibers. Its sustainable and versatile nature make it a timeless choice that fits easily into any home.

Because we strive to make our products as safe as possible, Unison’s hemp is also OEKO-TEX® certified. OEKO-TEX® certified is a guarantee that the product you’re buying does not contain any harmful substances. No matter where you are in the world when you see a label with OEKO-TEX® on it, you can buy with confidence knowing that the item is safe for you and your loved ones.

Read More About OEKO-TEX® And Unison’s Certified Products Here

The Ivory Hemp Duvet Cover is reversible and features ties in each corner and hidden buttons to keep your insert where it should be. For a monochrome look, pair the duvet with Ivory Hemp Sheets and Pillowcases, which are designed with a side opening and interior panel to keep your pillow tucked inside. Or mix and match with other items in our Natural Bedding Essentials, like the White Linen Sheets or Burgundy Chambray Pillowcase Set.

With its soft, eco-friendly qualities, falling asleep wrapped in our Ivory Hemp Bedding is easy – it’s getting out of bed in the morning that might be difficult.

Shop The Ivory Hemp Bedding Collection

A beautiful basket offers a bit of warm and natural texture to any space. It can also be a saving grace at keeping clutter out of sight. Attractive and functional — a handwoven basket is an understated necessity of the modern home.

Not all baskets are created equally, but that’s why we love KAZI’s fair trade baskets so much. Each one contains a story. The tale of a craftsperson, their family, and their community is woven into every piece. KAZI’s mission focuses on three pillars: fair wage jobs, sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship.

These align perfectly with our values here at Unison. We believe that good design is about more than looks. The way a company treats its workers and the environment is as important to us as the design and durability of a product.

Great design tells a story. And that’s why we share so many behind-the-scenes tales of how our products come to life. So let’s take a look at our collection of KAZI handmade baskets.

Modern Fair Trade Baskets

Our custom collection of Terrazzo bowls and trays were designed through a collaboration with KAZI. This collection draws its name and inspiration from the stone composite typically found in flooring. Terrazzo can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt, but it’s most well-known as an Italian design import. The mosaic-like pattern that was once relegated to floors and countertops is now the distinctive detail of a handwoven basket. We love the bold, graphic pattern in contrasting black and neutral colors. The juxtaposition of the earthy raffia palm leaves dyed and woven into a terrazzo design is what makes this collection so captivating.

The Terrazzo Raffia Bowls are available in 12-inch and 24-inch diameters and two colorways. Upgrade your fruit basket or add one to the middle of your dining table for a centerpiece that speaks volumes. Functional and attractive, the Terrazzo Raffia Trays are offered in 17-inch and 27-inch diameters, so you’ll find a fit for any room. Place one on your coffee table to corral your living room essentials or bring one into your guest bath to make it feel like a 5-star retreat. All our Terrazzo fair trade baskets have a loop for hanging — making it easy to display them as wall art too.

Our Raffia Black Storage Basket with Lid makes your space neat and tidy while still keeping all your essentials within reach. This fair trade basket is available in two sizes, so you’ll find one to suit your space and storage needs. Because of the hand-weaving process, each basket is one of a kind with subtle variations in size and color

Our collection of KAZI fair trade baskets are all handwoven by artisans in Uganda. Not only are they high-quality, functional pieces of art — but each one provides a fair-paying job to a craftsperson from an underserved community.

Thoughtfully Designed with a Purpose

In Swahili, the word “kazi” means employment, jobs or source of income. Since its founding in 2013, KAZI has provided jobs for more than 3,600 artisans from Uganda, Ghana and Rwanda. The company doesn’t just measure success by the number of products sold or revenue generated, they also focus on the impact made by creating jobs for artisans in rural African communities.

A mother of seven, one artist who has shared her story of working with KAZI is Seraphine. Not only does the money she makes help her to feed and educate her children, but she’s also contributing to her local economy. When you buy a fair trade basket you’re helping people like Seraphine provide a higher quality of life for her family and community at large.

Craftspeople who work with KAZI can earn up to five times more for their products than by selling at their local markets. Entire villages enjoy this increase in profit. KAZI basket weavers have more money to spend at restaurants, vendors and other merchants. With an influx of money circulating, the whole community benefits when you buy one of our KAZI fair trade baskets.

Sustainability Meets Time-Tested Craftsmanship

Many of the men and women who weave baskets for KAZI have been honing their craft for years. Traditional basket weaving techniques are passed down from generation to generation. The resulting baskets are of the highest quality. They’re made for daily use and designed to last. Sustainability is a major focus for KAZI too. Our KAZI baskets are made from natural raffia palm and banana leaves. They’re harvested locally and sustainably by the weavers and their employees. If dyed, they use organic materials to color the natural fibers.

Once the leaves have been collected, a labor-intensive process of stripping the fibers from the leaves begins. The fibers are then cleaned and dyed. Teams of weavers will join together to dye their materials at the same time, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.

The construction of the baskets is an intricate process. It requires skill, patience and dedication. The dyed fibers are wrapped around bundles of sweetgrass and secured into a coil. Patterns and design variations are achieved by switching between different colors of fiber. The finished basket is truly a work of art, ready to hang on the wall or be used for storage.

Changing Lives & Changing The World

Once you learn how it’s made, a handwoven basket is no longer just a basket. It holds the story of the artisan who crafted it, their family and their community. Bring a piece of this story into your home with a Terrazzo Raffia Bowl, Tray or Black Storage Basket with Lid.

When you see your fair trade basket on your coffee table or hanging over your sofa, you’ll remember the impact you’ve made with your purchase. You can feel good supporting communities in Uganda. When you admire your KAZI basket, you’ll know you’re now a part of a story that’s changing the world for the better.

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At Unison, we believe the sheets we sleep on and the towels we wrap ourselves in should be good for you and the environment. Plain and simple. That’s why all our signature bedding and bath textiles are Oeko-Tex® certified.

Quality is one of our founding pillars here at Unison. We’re always striving to bring you the best in modern design — and that means offering products that are safe and healthy for you and our planet. Since we first launched back in 2006, providing high-quality Oeko-Tex® certified towels and bedding has been a top priority. When you shop with Unison, you can buy confidently knowing we only offer high-quality, bed and bath textiles that are free from harmful chemicals.

We can all agree that what goes into our bodies is important for our well-being. From organic vegetables to fair trade certified coffee beans, eating healthy food is good for us. There is a lot of focus on what we consume, but health and wellness are about more than what you ate for breakfast. It can be easy to forget that our skin, our largest organ, also plays a significant role in our overall health. Our skin is sensitive and easily absorbs whatever it comes into contact with. It reacts to changes in the weather and the products you use around your home. What we put on and near our bodies — can have a lasting impact on our health and longevity.

Food manufacturers have been putting labels on their products for centuries. These labels let the consumer know how a crop was grown, an item’s ingredients, nutrition facts and allergen warnings. These labels help us make informed decisions about what we eat. However, clothing, bedding, bath and other textiles are sometimes not labeled as thoroughly — even though they can affect us just as much as food. Luckily, the Oeko-Tex® certification process has been quietly changing the industry for almost 30 years. Today it’s a sign of trust and safety.

Classic or Graphic: Oeko-Tex® Certified Towels & Bedding

Unison’s signature towels are non-toxic and some of the softest ones you can find. Our Logan towels are available in classic White and Graphite. If bold, graphic patterns are more your style opt for the Stitch or Mini Grid towels. Our coordinating shower curtains are Oeko-Tex® certified too.

Our collection of Oeko-Tex® certified sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers give you endless options for a bedroom refresh. Choose a subtle shade of color to keep things simple. Or grab one of our striking graphic sheet sets and a matching duvet cover to bring the perfect touch of minimal sophistication to your sleeping quarters.

You may have seen the Oeko-Tex® certified labels and wondered what exactly they mean. Once you learn more about the strict certification process behind our products, we know you’ll love them even more.

What is Oeko-Tex® Certified?

Oeko-Tex® is a registered trademark of the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology — which also calls itself Oeko-Tex®. Oeko-Tex® was founded in 1992 with its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. It was created as a response to the increased demand for a standard way to ensure products were free from harmful chemicals. Today it’s a powerful network of laboratories all around the world, each testing and certifying textiles to a rigid set of quality standards. While it would be incredible if we could regulate every countries’ fabric safety requirements, trusting in Oeko-Tex® third-party testing is the next best thing.

Oeko-Tex® certified is a guarantee that the product you’re buying does not contain any harmful substances. No matter where you are in the world when you see a label with Oeko-Tex® on it, you can buy with confidence knowing that the item is safe for you and your loved ones.

What is the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100?

At Unison all of our signature bath and bedding textiles are certified to Oeko-Tex® 100 standards. When you see the Standard 100 label on our products you can trust you’re getting a product that’s free from harsh chemicals, pesticides, harmful dyes and heavy metals.

The Standard 100 label includes every piece and component of a product. Take our Oeko-Tex® certified sheets and towels for example. Every part of that towel or bed sheet has passed rigorous testing standards. From the tiny threads binding the edges of a washcloth to the elastic corners of a fitted sheet — the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification process is incredibly thorough.

During the certification process, laboratory tests are conducted to ensure our bed and bath textiles are free from:
– Acidic chemicals
– Pesticides
– Heavy metals
– Carcinogenic dyes
– Allergens
– Chlorine
– Formaldehyde
– Phthalates
– Asbestos
– And many other substances that can be harmful to humans and the environment.

The guidelines for the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 are reviewed, updated and expanded every year. There are four classes of products for the Standard 100 label. Our Unison signature bedding and bath textiles are tested to Oeko-Tex® 100 Class 2: articles used close to the skin. Working with Oeko-Tex® to certify our textile products is just another way we’re helping to bring clean and modern beauty into your home.

Rest Easy with Unison

Sleep in this weekend and recharge on our Oeko-Tex® certified sheets. Or spend a few extra minutes wrapped in one of our Oeko-Tex® certified towels after an invigorating shower. We want you to relax knowing your Unison towels and bedding are free from harmful substances, so we can all live well together.

Shop Our Collection of Oeko-Tex® Certified Towels and Bedding

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