CSAO

CSAO's embroidered pillows and totes  feature charming floral motifs and patterns with hand-embroidered lettering, and flourishes. Each piece is a unique creation, and is meticulously crafted in a single day.

A stack of colorful pillows featuring floral patterns and motifs with hand stitched "Amour" or "Love" embroidered onto the front

At 16, Valérie Schlumberger moved to Senegal, where she immersed herself in the local artistry, focusing on traditional crafts. She later established a sewing workshop and boutique on Gorée Island.

A close-up women embroidering letters onto colorful fabrics using thread and embroidery loops.

 After a decade, she returned to Paris, founding CSAO in 1995 to showcase West African artisans, alongside CSAO's initiative to support street children in Dakar. CSAO has successfully revitalized noble ancestral traditions such as embroidery and has trained around 150 artisans whose work involves creating cushions, bags, and other accessories.

A group of 6 people embroidering fabrics in a sun drenched room