How can movement be captured in material? This question was the starting point of research conducted by fashion designer Max Zara Sterck, who was selected to develop her graduation collection in the TextielMuseum in 2015. In order to create (the illusion of) movement, she incorporated folds and pleats into the weave.
Sterck began by designing a preparatory collection of 50 items. Three silhouettes from this were chosen and formed the blueprint of the collection. They were made in so-called Toile-de-Luxe: samples that reflect reality as closely as possible with regards to shape, execution, finishing and materials.
In 2016, SCHUIT, which organises exhibitions showcasing the interdisciplinary work of young fashion designers and artists, commissioned Sterck to develop the white poncho in different sizes.
Sterck wanted to make fabrics in which the pattern was woven into the garment. To give the design more shape, she incorporated strategically placed pleats into the weave with shrinking thread. The fabric fits itself to the wearer’s body when heat is applied to the thread in the pleats. Sterck also used surprising material combinations, such as rubber and silk, which lent the heavy fabric the necessary structure while keeping it soft and supple. The neck opening and armholes could be cut out after the fabric was removed from the loom.
Max Zara Sterck (1992) is a womenswear designer who gives her devoted attention and appreciation to human form as the purest expression of oneself. With a passion for shapes, creative pattern cutting and technical solutions, spacial awareness is one of her strongest skills. In 2015, she graduated from ArtEZ University of the Arts. Followed by international work experience at luxury fashion houses such as J.W.Anderson, La Perla and Alexander McQueen. She launched her own brand in 2020, and showed her collections at London Fashion Week and the Design Week in Milan.
