Exploring Circular Textures

​A few hours ago, Niek was here.

Niek is helping me out with his photo skills in one of my projects as a resident (or occupant) at Baltan Laboratories, where today some research on algae based textiles and textures was carried out. My desk research sent me directly to this “chocolate-bar” factory in the Netherlands, my fieldwork approach sent me back to our desk, where texture and textile designer Carolyn Raff “lives” thanks to having some of her biopolymer sample packages.

Since having the chance to meet Carolyn in person in her hometown, the value of this experiment has enlarged enormously.

Today Martina was also around so I had more fun as we had an insightful chat over what would make her choose sample #2 over sample #3, or the other way round (picture). Since Martina is vegan, she went for the one that has zero animal products even though the biopolymer used is recycled, as it conflicts with her vegan lifestyle. Making sample #2 involves cochineal blood in the process, which is also used in Mexico for dyeing yarns. Sample #3 on the other hand is made with phycocyanin (also a potential drug for cancer treatment), and astaxanthine, which also makes the texture more flexible and thiner.

However, the most exciting thing about today’s experiment is to learn that coming Friday, more people are joining us to do it again. Where? at the New Order of Fashion Store where other experiments on sustainable design approaches in fashion and textile making of the 21st century will be taking place - are you joining us at 13:30h?

#sustainability #design #textiles