Nature abhors a vacuum, and Leyla Ahi gallery is the perfect example of this. From floor to ceiling, in every corner and nook, lie ancient textiles. Whether they are for home furnishings or clothing, from Provence or Burma, from the Coptic period or Italian designer Piero Fornasetti, the whole world is here. Theater and film decorators, fashion designers, anonymous but no less addicted collectors are all searching for period costumes (capes, dresses, French dresses, men’s clothes from the 18th century), ethnic costumes (Moroccan kaftans, Chinese kimonos, African boubous…), liturgical robes, bullfighter outfits, military gear, trimmings, embroideries, Oriental carpets or Art Deco era carpets.

An expert in ancient textiles, Leyla Ahi is a member of the National Company of Experts.  She has grown up in the trade. Her fabrics, textiles, and costumes, that cover all eras, from the Copts of the 8th century BC to the beginning of the 21st century, attract theater decorators, movie costume makers, puppet creators, collectors, furniture restorers, and religious congregations concerned about liturgical vestments (one of her beautiful specialties, along with the light clothes of bullfighters). You might encounter the musician William Christie, the filmmaker Woody Allen, interior designer Jacques Garcia, or opera decorator Mr. Rose. Leyla participated in the filming of Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette ” by renting costumes. She recently worked with restorers at the Navy Museum.