The word chrysalis – the pupa in which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly – refers to the organic shape of ‘Chrysalis Bags’, developed by Bernotat&Co in collaboration with the TextielLab. The shape was inspired by nature. Like shells, seed pods, calyxes and even the protective plates of armadillos, ‘Chrysalis Bags’ have a slightly rough exterior that hides precious and delicate contents.
References from nature and visual sustainability are important themes in Bernotat&Co's work. The idea for ‘Chrysalis Bags’ was born in 2007, when the design duo launched ‘Natural Bags’. These were made from a highly innovative 3D fabric, developed by the Dutch-Polish textile designer Aleksandra Gaca. The textile proved to be difficult to produce, because of its 3D structure and use of steel wire. Although only a limited number of bags could be produced, they continued to fascinate the designers.
While working on the Chair Wear line, which was launched in 2012, Bernotat&Co discovered the endless possibilities of knit-and-wear or 3D knitting. Thanks to this computerised technology, three-dimensional objects can be knitted from a single piece of fabric, almost without the need for additional stitching. This makes it possible to knit complex shapes that appear to have been created organically and do not require complicated and expensive stitching. ‘Chrysalis Bags’ were also developed in this way – from a single piece of fabric, including the pink lining. Only the zip and strap were added later. The mix of organic cotton and nylon yarn ensure the bags hold their shape.
