This season, online store, The Elephant Head, has launched a collection of luxurious cushion covers that are filled with brilliant colour, pattern and texture. Rich silk and velvet Ikat cushion covers in jewel tones have been designed to add colour, warmth, comfort and a touch of luxury to any interior space.

The latest collection of globally-inspired Ikat cushion covers have been made from velvet-silk ikat fabric from Uzbekistan and silk ikat fabric from Pochampally, India – both renowned for their rich Ikat heritage.

Ikat is a Malay-Indonesian word literally means ‘to tie’. It is one of the oldest known patterned textiles in the world, with a history that spans across multiple cultures and is thought to have existed in India since the 6th Century.

Historically, Ikats were symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige because of the time and intricate skill involved in the weaving process. Ikat weaving is believed to come from a long history of trade and traditions going back as far as the fabled East-West trading route known as the Silk Road.

Across cultures and regions, what distinguishes each Ikat is the style of weaving and use of colour. Uzbeki Ikats are known for their single warp weave and have large, brilliantly coloured motifs with depth and dimension that originates from the natural vegetable dyes. Pochampally Ikats use a double ikat weave technique and are distinguished by their traditional geometric patterns in Ikat style of dyeing.

Mixing vibrant colours, bold patterns, luxurious textures with decorative tassels, The Elephant Head’s globally-inspired Ikat cushion covers are not only trendy and in keeping with modern tastes, but are also steeped in rich history and tradition.

Certain to compliment any space the cushion covers are priced from £50 and come in a variety of shades from Fuscia, Green, Yellow, Orange and Turquoise silk ikats to geometric black and white, purple and grey velvet ikats.

www.elephanthead.co.uk for more information.