Luxury rug specialist Bazaar Velvet has strengthened its ethical sourcing credentials through its continued partnership with GoodWeave International, ensuring all handmade rugs meet stringent fair-trade standards. Alongside this, the company has developed collections through a Turquoise Mountain Foundation initiative that supports Afghan women artisans working from home.
Bazaar Velvet was founded 20 years ago by Christopher Mould and has since become known for producing bespoke, hand-knotted rugs for high-end residential and commercial interiors. Working from its London showroom, the business delivers commissions worth up to £85,000, with lead times starting from 12 weeks. Mould began his career at Harrods at the age of 16, earning Trainee of the Year in 1989, before launching Bazaar Velvet with ethics and transparency embedded from day one.
“It does keep me awake at night,” said Christopher. “I never want to exploit communities. Quality isn’t just about the materials and craftsmanship – it’s about knowing the people who create these pieces are treated with dignity and paid fairly. That’s been important to me throughout my 38 years in this industry.”
The company maintains workshops in Nepal and India, sharing facilities to closely manage production quality and labour conditions. A percentage of revenue from each GoodWeave-labelled rug is donated to programmes focused on ending child labour within the rug industry.
GoodWeave has freed more than 10,000 children from exploitative labour practices. During 2025, the organisation delivered educational access to over 100,000 children and ensured protections for more than 150,000 workers through regular monitoring. Funds contributed by Bazaar Velvet support health clinics, eye-care services for weavers and social protection registration initiatives.
“When sourcing for my clients at Bazaar Velvet, I have to be sure I’m helping clients the right way,” said Christopher. “There are a lot of producers out there, but not many with GoodWeave certification. That’s an important factor and always has been.”
Approximately a year ago, Bazaar Velvet collaborated with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Afghanistan to create a new collection. Designed and colour-led by Mould, the rugs were woven by women working from their homes and have since become part of the company’s permanent offering.
“The beauty of it really is about empowering women back into the workforce,” says Mould. “Women are banned from working in public spaces in Afghanistan, and girls still can’t be educated. The mothers and their daughters can now weave in their own homes to provide extra income for their families.”
Established by King Charles III in 2006, Turquoise Mountain Foundation works to preserve traditional crafts across several regions, including Afghanistan and the Levant. To date, it has trained over 11,500 artisans, supported 700 craft enterprises and generated $38 million in craft sales worldwide.
All Bazaar Velvet rugs are audited by Label STEP, GoodWeave’s fair-trade partner, ensuring safe workplaces, fair wages and strict prohibition of child labour. Independent inspections confirm ongoing compliance in Nepal and across supplier sites in India.
“We attract clients who understand that real luxury means knowing the story behind the piece – who made it, under what conditions, and whether their children are in school rather than at a loom,” added Mould.
“Quality and ethics aren’t separate for us – they’re the same thing. If the artisan isn’t treated well, the rug is tainted, no matter how beautiful it looks.”
Further details about Bazaar Velvet and its ethical practices are available at www.bazaarvelvet.co.uk.
