A Gallery-Ready System Elevating Limited-edition Textiles into Collectible Works of Art

Merida

Brand Presentation for Merida | Textile Folio System

2022-2024

TEXTILE DESIGN · ART DIRECTION · BRAND PRESENTATION · PROJECT & GALLERY COORDINATION · CURATION

Framework

The project centered on creating a folio system that elevated Merida’s limited-edition artist proofs while improving accessibility and engagement.

Key design and operational elements included:

Curated selections organized by construction type, colorway and collection for a fluid page-turning experience
Flat-lay photography and generous white space echoing presentation style of traditional artist folios
Customizable table of contents, numbering system, and adaptable folio packaging to simplify handling and selection for curators and clients

While the folio was collaboratively developed, I played a central coordinating role, curating collection sets for gallery presentations, testing the system with real clients, refining interactions, managing project status, and integrating feedback from the creative director and brand manager. This ensured the system functioned seamlessly across exhibition and client-facing contexts.

Overview

Merida is a luxury textile studio based in Fall River, MA historically known as the “Spindle City.” The company evolved from producing mass-market rugs in sisal and jute to creating limited-edition, artisanal rugs in natural yarns, a shift driven by a desire to preserve craftsmanship, sustainability, and heritage.

Each collection draws inspiration from art movements like De Stijl, Arte Povera, and Land Art, exploring color, composition, and materiality to transform functional objects into works of art. As Merida expanded into gallery and exhibition spaces, the studio required a presentation system capable of communicating this artistic value beyond product, positioning rugs as central design statements.

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Result

The folio system transformed how Merida presented its limited-edition works, elevating the narrative and emotional resonance of each collection. It facilitated engagement in gallery and exhibition contexts, contributing to milestone placements including Miami Basel, Design Miami, Carpenters Workshop Gallery (Paris), and Galerie Le Minotaure.

Developing the folio system also established an inventory workflow the studio hadn’t had before, providing full visibility of available works and making it easier to curate, display, and communicate collections for exhibitions, photoshoots, art fairs, and loans. The folio continues to serve as a foundation for storytelling across future collections, strengthening client engagement and solidifying Merida’s presence in high-end art and design circles.

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