Salma Barakat Threads Tradition Into Contemporary Design
BA Atelier
Salma Barakat, by Farida Fawzy
Salma Barakat is an Egyptian designer based between Athens and Cairo. She launched Ba in 2022, a brand of limited-edition rugs and wall hangings, handwoven in Egypt by a charity organization. With a focus on celebrating Egyptian heritage, Ba Atelier creates unique pieces that reflect the rich culture and artistry of Egypt. The young brand caught DIVAZ’s eye, and we decided to chat with Barakat about Ba Atelier, as well as her journey so far.
Talk to us about your background. How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity, not just as a designer but as a person?
I am Egyptian, part Greek. I studied graphic design, and although my style has evolved, my training led me to appreciate letterforms, and I’ve noticed calligraphic shapes subtly trickling into my work. Working in branding and design demanded a lot of screen time, and I dreamt of making something tactile. Returning home after 14 years in London and Amsterdam had a huge influence on my personal and artistic development. I discovered Egypt’s wealth of handicrafts, including kilims and flat-weave rugs. The craft captivated me, and I wanted to challenge local weavers, who were used to standard, mass-produced styles, and see what we could create together. Working with Egyptian artisans connected me to my heritage and grounded me personally.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetic mixes layered, organic, and abstract forms. Although the designs seem contemporary, they’re produced in a very traditional way on pedal looms. There’s a conversation between my fluid forms and the tightly woven warp and weft.
Salma Barakat by Bruna Zelic
What have been your biggest challenges, and what moment made you feel proud?
Craft is rapidly diminishing in Egypt’s economic climate. Weaving takes time to learn and doesn’t yield quick profits. I also faced cultural challenges — many of the weavers I work with are women who often stop working when they get married, and the turnover doesn’t always guarantee quality. But a personal victory for me was exhibiting on Hydra Island, celebrating both my Greek and Egyptian heritage.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
I began by collaging colors and shapes. Later, I added pencil sketches and paints, developing confidence both in myself as an artist and in the artisans as weavers. My recent collection was inspired by travel and nature, whether in Colombia’s forests or on a Greek island. Sometimes, it’s even the stillness of my space in Cairo that inspires me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Focus on your wins and stay present.
What’s next for you?
I want to keep developing both my craft and the weavers’ craft, aiming to use only naturally dyed yarn for fully organic pieces. One day, I hope to have my own Ba workshop.
Who is your diva?
An artist I recently discovered who aligns with my vision is Magdalena Abaconwicz, a Polish weaver known for monumental sculptural forms she assembled herself.