Fiber, Felt and Inspiration at the Museum of Craft and Design, San Francisco

Recently I seen a few hours viewing an exhibit at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco. I specifically went there to view an exhibit called Felt Decoded, featuring artist Janice Arnold.

As an instructor of Textiles at San Diego Mesa College's Fashion Program, I'm always interested to learn more about fiber and anything related to that. I had heard of this exhibit through an Italian filter friend, Lisbeth Wahl. Small world, that an Italian had to clue me in to an exhibit in my own state, from many miles away.

Here are a few images that were 'wow' moments.

In one area of the exhibit, there is this amazing microscope that you could place over a sample fiber in a container. I have no idea what the level of magnification was, but it as a LOT. Below check out a few fibers (on the left) and their close-up versions (on the right).

Houndstooth

Merino Knit

Denim

Tussah Silk

Lyocell

Felted sample

Beauty in Chaos... Textile Art in Christchurch, New Zealand

Currently, I'm visiting Christchurch, New Zealand. My friend Betty, a native of Christchurch has been taking me around, and it is a surreal experience to see the devastation of a city I've visited on several occasions before. The earthquakes of 2011 have completely changed the face of the city, and reconstruction work continues.

Amidst all the chaos that still exists in the city is the Transitional Cathedral, designed by Shiguru Ban. Here is the outside, and a few shots of the inside.

What you are seeing is cardboard tubes, and laminated wood, amongst other things.

The alter was decorated in the most beautiful textile art; a quilted fabric rich in color.

Here are a few shots:

As in all things, beauty exists, and fiber arts play a role.

A great surprise... Silk in the River

If you had asked me, what would you like to see in Japan (related to textiles), I would have told you... I would like to see fabrics in the rivers, which was part of the steps of fabric production in historic times.

So, imagine my delight yesterday, when we were walking along a river path, going towards the Philosopher's Walk, when we came across the scene you see below.

I believe fabrics being placed in the river was part of the festivities going on in town.
Below is a poster (in Japanese) which is probably giving the historical significance. Sorry for the reflection... you can see my image covering up the photos somewhat.. didn't catch that.

Posted Information on the Silk Process (sorry about my reflection in the shot)

Smarter. Faster. Tougher.

Smarter. Faster. Tougher.

An Exhibition on Sports, Fashion + Tech

Design Exchange, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

39 Parliament Street, The Distillery District
Toronto

Curated by Marie O’Mahony

http://www.dx.org/index.cfm?id=47464

I viewed this exhibit last week, in Toronto. It features a variety of garments that either utilize innovative textiles, or integrate sports features into fashion clothing. It’s amazing to see where fabric development is moving. Here are a few highlights!

Columbia Sportwear, Portland, OR

Freestyle mugul ski uniform.

Columbia’s patented Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology provides warmth fo the athlete with less bulk, allowing athletes to move with ease. There is also a LightRail zipper which is Columbia’s own innovation that has made the zipper ultra-lightweight and waterproof.

Descente, Japan

This ski jacket and pants utilize technical fabrics and advanced construction techniques. The garments are seam-sealed, waterproofed and provide thermal insulation.

Now.... let's move on to Designer Fashion with clothing that draws inspiration from sports.

Tommy Hilfiger

Here we have an outfit by Tommy Hilfiger

This wet-suit inspired garment utilizes neoprene and incorporates athletic clothing styling.

Yohji Yamamoto, Y3

This padded coat takes its influence from padded athletic clothing. Yamamoto’s signature asymmetrical cut, unique fasteners and details take the style to the couture level.

Alexander Wang’s Laser Cut Hoodie

Note the patterned laser cutouts on the arms that reveal a reflective fabric underneath.

Check out the footwear!!

Here we have Adidas sneakers (Yamamoto) and Alexander Wang’s sports heels!!

Wang's Spots Heels (yikes!)

Look at those heels!!

Adidas Shoes by Y-3