Fakroun accessories are sewn and assembled in my workshop in Seine-Saint-Denis. The colors of Tunisia, the patterns of traditional fabrics, their materials, the pottery and textile crafts from the souks of Ariana or Tunis are sources of inspiration for my creations.
The Margoum, a woven tradition
In some of my pieces, I incorporate a piece of Margoum, a traditional Tunisian carpet hand-woven in the regions of Gafsa and Ouedhref, where Berber women have passed down this art from generation to generation. A true work of textile art, it is distinguished by its ancestral geometric patterns, rooted in Arab-Berber culture.
When creating Fakroun, I sought the meaning of these symbols, and their stories reinforced my desire to work with this material. The rhombus (regma), a central figure, symbolizes woman, fertility, and protection. Triangles evoke union and inner strength. Crosses and stars represent light and guidance. Lines and chevrons tell the stories of life's paths, nature, and water, essential in desert regions.
The choice of materials and colors
To enhance these traditional weaves, I combine them with materials I love, such as suede for its softness or stiff cottons to give structure to the accessories, and I choose colors to highlight the Margoum or trims. The faux leather I sometimes use pays homage to the leather goods of traditional markets by adding a contemporary touch.
The shades of my collections sometimes recall the ceramics of Nabeul, a city known for its pottery in Tunisia, where sunny yellow and dark green blend with the warm tones of earth and spices.
Through these accessories, I seek to create a bridge between my two cultures, an association of materials that reflects the blend of my French-Tunisian origins.
In an era where isolation and introspection too often prevail, my creations are a way to open windows to other cultures and to bring a little bit of Tunisia into everyday life.
And the Turtle?
Fakroun simply means turtle in Tunisian Arabic. I have a special fondness for them because they remind me of summers in Ariana... it soothed me to watch them move around the garden. Sewing evokes this animal for me, by the patience it demands and its deliberate movements. This rhythm aligns with the one I aim to offer for my creations, conceived as unique pieces or small series, crafted slowly.
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