The Journey of Cherthala Coir Craft: From Door Mats to the Met Gala Red Carpet!
Woven in Kerala, Walked by Icons — Neytt’s Sisal Carpet from Cherthala Stuns at the Met Gala 2025. A brand born at home, now reaching for the stars.
The stunning blue carpet featured at the Met Gala was crafted by Neytt by Extraweave, a Kerala-based brand founded by Sivan Santhosh and Nimisha Srinivas. Hailing from Cherthala, a town known for its vibrant coir industry, Neytt by Extraweave is a five-year-old company—but its legacy is rooted in a century-old family tradition.
Sivan's grandfather, K. Velayudhan, established the Travancore Mats and Matting Company in 1917. His father, Santhosh, later founded Extraweave over two decades ago, continuing the family’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship in the carpet industry. This marked their third consecutive appearance at the Met Gala, having previously contributed carpets in 2022 and 2023.
Their connection to the Met Gala came through a long-standing client in the U.S. named Fiber Works, who recommended them to the event organisers. Neytt Wave manufactured the carpets, which were then hand-painted by artists in the USA.
The carpet was woven from sisal fiber, derived from the bark of the agave cactus—a plant native to East Africa and Central America. Sivan explained that the fiber was sourced from Brazil, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Known for its durability, the 120 cm-long fibers were ideal for crafting carpets. Interestingly, the Met Gala organisers specifically requested the use of sisal fiber.
How long did it take, and who worked on it?
According to Sivan, it took 90 days to complete the project at their Cherthala factory, with the support of 500 skilled workers. They produced 57 rolls of carpet, covering approximately 6,840 sq. metres. “We always prioritise quality and execute our work with precision,” said Sivan.
Located in the Alappuzha district, Cherthala has long been a cornerstone of Kerala’s coir industry—a legacy that beautifully blends tradition with innovation. This coastal town, famed for its coconut groves, has been at the heart of coir production since the 19th century. It transforms humble coconut husks into mats, rugs, ropes, and more. The rhythmic thrum of traditional spinning wheels now harmonises with modern machines, sustaining thousands of livelihoods while preserving a rich cultural heritage. As sustainability becomes a global priority, Cherthala stands tall as a symbol of eco-conscious enterprise—one coir fiber at a time.
From traditional coir crafts on Kerala’s shores to the red carpet of the Met Gala, this team has shown the world that dedication and skill pay off. The company has previously supplied carpets to Buckingham Palace, the White House, and several Taj properties. Even Sonam Kapoor’s London home features their exquisite rugs.
A story we can all be proud of.