Mangas, from the Spanish word for 'sleeves', is a collection of rugs designed by Patricia Urquiola for the Spanish textile company Gandia Blasco. These rugs come in a variety of shapes and colours, and look like hand-knitted sweaters laid flat. For this collection, Patricia Urquiola drew inspiration from woollen patchwork patterns created using various stitches, giving the effect of different knits assembled together. These rugs are 100% hand-made and come in the shape of a balloon, bell, and a small lantern. Some are stretched, and all are part of the brand's Gan Rugs collection. The Mangas collection has won numerous international design awards since its launch in 2009.
Born in Oviedo in 1961, Patricia Urquiola attended the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the Polytechnic School of Milan, where she graduated in 1989 with Achille Castiglioni as her thesis supervisor. She was his assistant at the Polytechnic School of Milan from 1990 to 1992. From 1990 to 1996, she worked in the product development department for De Padova, where she collaborated with Vico Magistretti. In 1996, she became head of design at Lissoni Associati. In 2001, Patricia Urquiola opened her own design studio, where she works on design, installations and architecture. In 2005, together with her colleague Eliana Gerotto, Patricia Urquiola developed a collection of lighting for Foscarini. Their Caboche pendant, ceiling, floor and table lamps reinterpret the 1960s plastic bracelet-style crystal chandelier with pendants. After several European boutiques, she has just designed the interior architecture of the sublime Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona. Patricia Urquiola designs both outdoor furniture, with the Pavo real armchair, and accessories for Alessi.