For a company to have been around for four decades, it has to have a good foundation. The answer lies in the people who began the business.
Belgotex would not be what it is today were it not for them.
Particularly the creative energy and passion of Anne Colle, co-founder of Belgotex, whose quiet reserve, courage, positivity, determination and quest for timeless quality are woven into the company DNA.
Following a recent surge in demand for the iconic leopard print, the Panthera design speaks to the newest flooring trends.
New horizons, timeless ethos
In the early 1980s, Anne and her husband, Stephan Colle, made a bold decision to leave Europe and create a new future in South Africa. The young couple identified an opportunity to set up a new nylon yarn manufacturing venture in KwaZulu-Natal.
This business rapidly responded to market opportunities and evolved into a vertically integrated carpet manufacturing business, and so, Belgotex was born. The grit and determination of this strong-willed duo to succeed during the early years, created the pathway for the company to become a new force within the local carpeting industry.
Many of Belgotex’s values stem from Anne’s life philosophy. Her strong-mindedness and positivity infuse her daily life with energy and motivation that have grown even stronger since she beat cancer several years ago, only having to help Stephan fight his own cancer battle into remission recently.
The perspective she gained having undergone this life-changing experience, has enhanced her desire to create more beauty in the world and to keep things authentic.
The Highlands’ bold plaid patterns tap into classic design motifs in fashion and interior design.
Female leadership in flooring
When Belgotex was started, the aim was to make high-quality carpets affordable and accessible to every South African, regardless of where they were in life. But for Anne, there was an added challenge.
She found herself actively involved in the leadership of the business as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Even though she had started the business, she realised she had more to offer outside Belgotex. She made the difficult choice to opt out, leaving Stephan to lead the company into the new millennium on his own.
A new role
Anne returned to the world of textiles and started an import company, Anne Colle Fabrics, sourcing fabrics overseas for the local interior design market. Making a name for herself in the local design industry, she curated a collection of timeless fabrics that would retain appeal even as trends changed.
Her aim is always the same – to create something beautiful with every composition. She believes that beautiful spaces reflect a person’s personality and can help them to feel more comfortable and happier in an attractive environment.
Celebrating 40 years of creativity
Anne believes that a beautiful home creates a sanctuary within which to reboot, become inspired and energised to take on the world. Image: Belgotex Highlands
Belgotex has had to evolve along with the many changes in the flooring industry – from its early beginnings as a local manufacturer of soft flooring offering high-quality carpets to the public at a lower cost when carpets were popular, to now, where carpets are competing against many different floor finishes from suppliers all over the world.
The evolution within Belgotex has been positive and opened up a world of possibilities within the design world. It now offers an extensive portfolio of products, including luxury vinyl tile (LVT), rugs and customised carpeting on par with the best global brands and trends.
This is where the Anne Colle Collection comes in. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Belgotex turned to Anne for design inspiration to create a special edition of carpets.
Two collections
The Anne Colle Collection pays homage to her creative spirit and the vision that is woven into Belgotex’s DNA.
Her love of timeless beauty inspired her to suggest two designs for the collection, Panthera and Highlands, featuring the iconic leopard print and tartan-look respectively. These exciting designs in warm colourways speak to the newest flooring trends.
Belgotex hopes that customers will enjoy exploring the timeless touch that its new collection brings. It offers a glimpse into the special woman who inspired it, who helped make Belgotex a reality and brought this new celebratory collection to life.
The Anne Colle Collection celebrates both the 40th anniversary of heritage flooring brand, Belgotex, and the co-founder’s passion for design, beauty and authenticity.
For more information, visit Belgotex:
Tel: +27 80 001 4777
Email: info@belgotex.co.za
Website: www.belgotex.co.za