In the first event of its kind, textiles are taking over New York City next month in an attempt to reclaim long-lost territory in the world of art and design.
According to renowned trend-forecaster
Lidewij Edelkoort, textile heritage is currently at a crossroads. Globally, knowledge of ancient techniques and traditional materials is in decline, and we are all suffering from a "debilitating lack of knowledge concerning textiles". Yet at the same time, a growing number of makers are swimming against the tide of outsourced labour and mass-produced textiles, and Lidewij wants to celebrate their efforts. She was one of the creative minds behind
Heartwear: a non-profit organisation that works with artisans to produce hand-crafted clothing and home accessories.
For the whole of September, the material processes and cultural contexts behind textile production will be discussed, investigated and enjoyed by creators and the public alike during
New York’s Textile Month. Organised by Lidewij in collaboration with The New School: Parsons School of Design, Cooper Hewitt, and the Smithsonian Design Museum, the event will involve a multitude of exhibitions, talks and workshops. Select retailers, such as Issey Miyake and Febrik will also be showcasing their products.
NYTM runs throughout the month of September 2016, with individual events taking place in various locations around New York City.
www.textilemonth.nyc
www.selvedge.org/shop/heartwear
