Nepalis have a predilection for overstuffed velvet sofas, underwhelming formica tables, and mirrored display cabinets of crystal animal figurines. A tasteful riposte comes in the form of Friendly Product, a line of functional, eco-friendly, well-designed, and distinctly Nepali home furnishings.

The range, which will be marketed nationally and internationally, is the result of a collaboration led by L. Environmental Arts and Design's Leo and Lisu Rodriguez, and Nepali companies including Dhaka Weaves, L., Nepal Knotcraft Centre, The Organic Village, and Wild Fibers, and is supported by GTZ and the Bamboo and Rattan Society of Nepal. The line's recent launch at Wild Fibers in Thamel was well received, and the displays of products made from sustainable local resources are likely to be replicated in homes around the Valley.

The show will travel to Los Angeles for a trade exhibition in January. Lisu from L., which has been creating custom-made bamboo and wood furniture and flooring for the last three years, says the group will produce seasonal lines every six months and promote a 'complete lifestyle approach' to designing home furnishings that are completely Nepali but modern. While some prices are high by local standards, L. hopes to counter the idea that well-made Nepali products are only for expats, green freaks, and Nepalis educated abroad. The Rodriguez's eventual aim is to simply be able to produce more, and also provide some much-needed design training in Nepal.

Jemima Sherpa