What’s good for China is good for the world, as far as Tú Textiles Co-Founders Jill Lewis and Rebecca Churn are concerned. Their line of environmentally-friendly cushions (RMB 338/443/564 with insert) feature locally-inspired designs like paifang, Chinese knots, cloisonné, lotus root, and gingko leaves. The cotton used in their products conforms to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). However, Churn and Lewis are frank about the limitations of the organic industry in China.
“Our base fabric is GOTS-certified, but not the finished product,” says Lewis. She is referring to the brand’s water-based inks that, although safe, are not considered organic.
Nevertheless, Tú Textiles is moving forward with a spate of new projects, including a free downloadable “styling kit” that allows users to try out different color combinations with virtual cushions and couches.
Three months ago, Churn and Lewis also started Tea with Tú, private events that allow customers to invite their friends over and preview Tú Textiles’ cushions in the comfort of their own home. Last but not least, Tú Textiles is further extending their influence in the Chinese market by selling their products on ELLEshop China’s website (www.elleshop.com.cn) for a limited time.
To browse TúTextiles’s products, visit www.tutextiles.com. To enquire about Tea with Tú events, call Churn at 136 8130 1454 or Lewis at 158 0134 1516 between 9am and 4pm.
This article originally appeared on p17 of the May 2013 issue of beijingkids.
Photo by Lova