Interwoven Design News is your tiny dose of design, technology and other important news, curated monthly by Interwoven Design. In this series we share the latest on our favorite topics, including biomaterials in fashion, events, inspired craft, multipurpose wearables and flashlights designed to be built by children! In this issue: Encoded Craft by Tamara Anna Efrat, Stella McCartney made with BioSequins, Biofabricate Summit, Fog-X Jacket, and the Ambessa Play Flashlight Kit.

Encoded Craft by Tamara Anna Efrat

By merging traditional embroidery techniques with algorithmic encoding, Tamara Anna Efrat, an artist and multi-disciplinary designer, creates textile objects that offer infinite possibilities and mesmerizing aesthetic textures and patterns. Her exploration of this process is driven by a desire to convey a profound understanding of the ecological entropy present in our oceans. Efrat hints at the conflict between humanity and nature by layering her artworks in various stages, including a ‘living’ wall, ‘living’ bodies, and another area that symbolizes the profound ecological transformations of the past century.

Having a background in fashion and industrial design, Tamara Anna Efrat combines her expertise with Grasshopper, a parametric design tool that utilizes mathematical patterns to generate intricate three-dimensional forms. Efrat skillfully integrates her technical knowledge with hand stitching techniques, occasionally preserving the shapes in liquid clay. This fusion of influences and techniques enables her to metaphorically illustrate the devastating impact of human activities and industrialization on nature and the traditional crafts.

via Designboom

Stella McCartney made with BioSequins

Stella McCartney’s skin-tight sleeveless bodysuit, adorned with Radiant Matter’s bioplastic sequins, has gained recognition in the latest edition of Vogue. As a British fashion brand, McCartney has upheld its commitment to being PVC-free since 2010, and has consistently launched initiatives for sustainable collections.

The mesmerizing iridescence of the BioSequins featured on the jumpsuit is the result of Radiant Matter’s groundbreaking work in developing sequins made from tree cellulose. Unlike previous plastic options in the market, which contained harmful carcinogenic chemicals, this sustainable alternative fills a crucial gap that Elissa Brunato, Founder of Radiant Matter, identified as an opportunity. In an interview with Dezeen, Brunato reflects on her past experience in fashion design studios, where she witnessed the disparity between the beauty of craftsmanship, the stories being conveyed, and the disappointingly toxic material choices. This firsthand adversity ignited her drive to seek a solution that is not only environmentally friendly but also aesthetically pleasing.

via Dezeen

Biofabricate Summit 2023

Get ready for the European edition of the Biofabricate summit, happening in October 2023! Engage in captivating discussions among pioneering innovators, scientists, and designers. Don’t miss out on the chance to attend their in-person networking event by submitting your application.

Biofabricate, a team based in New York City, brings their expertise to various industries such as fashion, sports, wellness, construction, and design. They combine materials with microbial-derived ingredients to drive innovation in biomaterial strategy and consulting on a global scale.

Mark your calendars for the Summit, which spans 3 days of showcasing concepts, prototypes, products, and invaluable networking opportunities. Join us in Paris from October 4-6 to be a part of this remarkable event.

via Biofabricate

Lexus Design Award: Fog-X Jacket

Pavels Hedström has recently received the prestigious Lexus Design Award in the publicly voted category for his groundbreaking creation, the Fog-X jacket. This remarkable jacket serves multiple purposes, functioning not only as wearable attire but also as a personal shelter and, believe it or not, a water catcher! Described by the Swedish designer as “low-tech,” it ingeniously captures water droplets from fog, mist, and rain, channeling them into an integrated water container. The jacket undergoes a fascinating transformation, expanding into a sail/kite-like antenna structure that efficiently captures these precious droplets.

The primary intention behind this concept is to provide a solution for individuals residing in regions plagued by water scarcity. To demonstrate its effectiveness, the designer conducted successful trials in Chile’s Atacama Desert, widely recognized as one of the most arid places on our planet. Although the estimated price of the product may exceed some people’s expectations, the underlying technology and the environmentally conscious approach remain remarkably accessible and cost-effective.

via Dezeen

Ambessa Play Flashlight Kit

Pentagram and Ambessa Play have joined forces to create a unique business model for their Flashlight, one that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of displaced children. With this partnership, for every flashlight purchased, another one is provided to a child in need, following a one-to-one model.

The Flashlight kit itself is ingeniously designed to be assembled by children, offering them an engaging way to learn about science and electricity. It operates without batteries, utilizing a dynamo to charge the capacitor that powers the LED lamp for approximately 15 minutes. This clever design choice not only eliminates the need for batteries but also ensures the safety of children handling the kit.

The collaboration between Pentagram, Ambessa Play, and charitable organizations such as Refugee Council, Care for Calais, Project Play, and Terre des Hommes has been instrumental in the development process. In fact, children themselves were involved in testing early prototypes, providing invaluable insights. Their feedback led to a redesign, resulting in a rectangular shape that conveniently fits into pockets, can be held in hand, or even worn around the neck. Furthermore, the packaging itself serves as a crucial element, offering instructions and organized components, making the flashlight assembly a seamless and enjoyable experience.

via Dezeen

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