About us

DARLAMAN is a collective of workshops, design studios, pop-ups, a bazar and, above all, talented artists and artisans working in textiles, garments, glass and ceramics.

Most are refugees. Many today live in Islamabad. They bring together Afghan, Persian and a rich weave of other cultural influences and heritage.

At the heart of DARLAMAN’s ethos is a belief that commerce thrives on such cultural diversity; that commerce can foster community; and that commerce must benefit every life along its way, from farmer, potter and weaver to stylists, home-makers and wearers.

DARLAMAN's founder, Safiya, grew up in London with her own deep Afghan and Persian roots. In interviews, she characteristically deflects attention from herself, often emphasising her work supporting refugees caught up in conflict. When asked about her motivations, she focuses on ensuring that the face of DARLAMAN remains the collective's artists and artisans.

“It is the stories and rich cultural lives of these men, women and their communities that we celebrate in the DARLAMAN collective’s unique and beautiful wares.”