Betaspring

Betaspring company A Curated World opened for business today, launching it's first international trunk show.  The show features hundreds of artisanal products sourced during A Curated World's recent visit to Marrakech, Morocco. These one-of-a-kind product won't last long, so get there fast to buy! 

A Curated World CEO and founder Kay McGowan developed the online shopping destination to create a new way for people to connect with great craftspeople from around the world.

By bringing people stunningly beautiful goods AND expertly produced video and pictorial stories about the people who made them, A Curated World delivers what was once only accessible to jet-setting design aficionados to the homes and closets of design enthusiasts everywhere. Discerning clients now have unprecedented access to a carefully curated selection of beautifully handcrafted fashion and home décor, as well as to the people behind the products. 

A Curated World aims to give every buyer a real sense of the workmanship behind each product. Kay travels to emerging design centers around the world and seeks out exceptional artisans offering unique items and tells their stories. “I believe deeply that finding and owning a beautiful piece of pottery or a unique garment gains all the more meaning and pleasure when you have had an opportunity to know something about its creation. A Curated World is about giving shoppers an authentic experience where the items they buy are not mass produced on an assembly line but individual, unique pieces are crafted by hand from our featured artisans.” 

A Curated World’s most unique offering is that through the website, buyers can actually visit the shops of the extraordinary designers, artists, and craftspeople. On-the-spot videos capture the artist story with intimacy and passion.

Averaging eight excursions a year, the site will feature resident artists from different regions. The inaugural trip is to Morocco, with stops in Marrakech, as well as Essaouira and surprising spots off the tourist track. Trips later this year are planned to Cape Town, South Africa, Buenos Aires, Argentina, India and Turkey.

Featured Designers include:

• Studio Lalla. Laetitia Trouillet’s boundless passion for vintage inspires her collection of handbags with ethnic chic details.  You may also find her guiding the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow around town. 

• Lup 31. The lastest collection from Ludovic Petit lets his Paris fashion roots show through with a sophisticated yet whimsical spin on everything from pillows, handbags, and chandeliers. 

• Aya’s Marrakech. Owner Nawal (last name)’s clothing and accessories showroom features beautiful hand embroidered caftans that showcase the personalities of her artisans. 

• As well as Kif KIf by Stef, Zid Zid Kids, Akkal, Nihal, La Maison Bahira

Prior to founding A Curated World, McGowan spent 13 years at renowned Boston import firm Mohr & McPherson, where she was general manager. During her tenure, she developed a global network of artisans and design specialists who have influenced her aesthetic and philosophy, which she brings to A Curated World.