For the project 'Archive of the Future', four designers from design collective Envisions worked with product developers from the TextielLab to explore new applications and perspectives for techniques such as knitting, weaving, passementerie and embroidery. The designers were inspired by the ideas of the lab's specialists, the museum's collection and their own interest in interior design innovations and the automotive industry.
Together with the TextielLab’s embroidery specialist and product developer Frank de Wind, Envisions designer Emma Wessel revisited and further developed an earlier project from 2018. This focused on the use of fillers and water-soluble foils in embroidery. The samples they produced at the time formed the basis of 'Future Nets', which investigated embroidery as a functional application instead of a purely decorative one. In turn, 'Future Nets' resulted in numerous experiments with lines and grids, using embroidery-covered fillings. The fillings were made from foam or threads that were placed on a backing before being embroidered. The backing was then removed or dissolved, leaving a coarse, sturdy mesh or netting that can function independently.
An embroidery machine with a cording device was purchased especially for this project. The device can place the filling cord in the correct position on a soluble backing at the moment it is needed. It does this while the embroidery is taking place. The cord guided by the machine forms a net, which is what the filler previously did. With a few embroidery stitches, the two are connected as a structure. This is quicker than completely wrapping a filler with embroidery and enabled Wessel to make a larger work.
Wessel and product developer Frank de Wind collaborated closely throughout the process. Says Wessel: “We were able to switch quickly between tasks and ideas, and our skills complemented each other. As a result, we achieved a lot, which was really energising. The next step is researching yarns. This is just the tip of the iceberg.” By working with the fillers and cording device, De Wind discovered that he could think outside the embroidery frame. The height of the samples also presented a challenge. How much could the embroidery machine handle?
Design collective Envisions looks for new, industrial applications of materials. The focus is on the process rather than the final product, allowing for innovative translations of several textile techniques. Collective member Emma Wessel creates inspiring scenarios for possible futures, providing brands and companies with the basis for new ideas. Her work combines scenario thinking and product design with a sharp focus on fashion. While trend forecasting is often about predicting a certain trend by analysing society, Wessel develops fantasy scenarios that include real possibilities in design. New ideas arise during the creative process, which is central to her practice.
Makersgeheimen TextielMuseum 2021
