With its origins as a manufacturer of traditional Swedish rag rugs, the family business soon expanded into the production of awning mats for the camping sector during the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1990s, the idea of using this material to create flooring for public spaces was born, and BOLON developed a unique backing specifically for this purpose.

However, shortly after the turn of the millennium, it was time for sisters Annica and Marie Eklund — the third generation of the family business — to take the reins. In doing so, they introduced a new business strategy and a more distinctive brand identity. “Ever since my sister Marie and I took over the company, BOLON and fashion have been synonymous,” explains Annica Eklund, BOLON’s CEO.

A chance meeting with Giorgio Armani at a New York restaurant sparked a dynamic partnership that would go on to completely transform the brand’s image and direction. Over the years, the company has evolved from a small traditional weaving mill into a successful international design brand. Today, BOLON is highly regarded within both design and architectural circles for its innovative approach to flooring, reinventing conventional materials through collaborations with some of the world’s leading creators, visionaries, and entrepreneurs. These include Missoni, Armani, Google, Mercedes, and Sheraton, as well as renowned architects and designers such as Jaime Hayon, Tom Dixon, Jean Nouvel, and Giulio Cappellini.

Celebrating their ten-year anniversary as both the current owners and creative forces behind this family enterprise, Annica and Marie Eklund are set to publish the story of their success in an exclusive book entitled The Story of BOLON. Although the book will be printed this spring in a limited edition, the Eklund sisters hosted a special pre-launch event, inviting 50 select guests to preview a curated selection of photographs. The event took place at the hotel Ett Hem in Stockholm during Stockholm Design Week 2013.

Presenting the sisters’ take on a fine coffee table book, this publication offers an elaborate overview of the company and a rare insight into the world and history of a Swedish design phenomenon. Interweaving memories and historical photographs from BOLON’s early days, the book sets the stage for a nostalgic visual journey through the story of the family.

A series of intensely expressive black-and-white photographs by Tobias Regell, the internationally acclaimed photographer known for his work with H&M and Bentley, captures the true essence of the company, deeply rooted in heritage and strong family bonds.

Complementing this unique collection of imagery is an anthology of personal interviews conducted by Simon Mills, Bespoke Editor at Wallpaper magazine and contributing editor at British GQ. From Rosita Missoni, Jean Nouvel, and Giulio Cappellini to Thomas Sandell and Gert Wingårdh, some of the world’s foremost creators, designers, and architects share their reflections on their relationship with the company, further enhancing the book’s nostalgic atmosphere.