Every year as the summer wanes, and we turn our attention to fall, at least for us in our NYC-based studio, that means one thing; New York Textile Month is almost here! I have long admired the work and insight of Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano, and have been part of New York Textile Month since it’s founding a few years ago.
Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano via Trend Union
This year is no exception. We will be hosting a NYTM event at our studio - there is more information about our event below. But, I also wanted to take a moment to share some of the events that I am most intrigued by and excited to participate in.
Elisa Lutteral and Lina Celis via NYTM
MAIZ; biographical textiles through the lens of corn
Friday September 2nd at 6:00 pm
Looking at corn (maiz) as a connecting cultural through-line and foundational food source, this participatory workshop aims to reconsider corn in ways both mundane and sublime.
"From a multidisciplinary thinking, Elisa Lutteral and Lina Celis navigate into textiles through material culture studies working in collaboration with Leon Duval and Ruben Gomez, who are researching transcalar studies about food accessibility and architecture. Through a participatory workshop exhibition held in Factory Tamal, we will open a conversation around corn and its meanings by setting a table to share memories, recipes, and thoughts and an interactive crochet session where you would be able to be at the centerpiece of the table collaborating with others.” - NYTM
More information about this workshop here!
Lin Qiqing paper weaving via NYTM
Tapestry Weaving with Paper Yarn and Natural Fiber
Saturday, September 3rd at 3:00 pm
This open-air tapestry workshop will take place in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Designers and artists, Lin Qiqing and Amirtha Arasu will be exploring materiality through handmade paper and natural fibers like hemp, cotton and linen. This is a great introduction to simple frame loom weaving and no previous weaving experience is required.
More information about this workshop here!
BYBORRE via NYTM
Democratizing the textile industry through collaboration
Wednesday, September 7th at 1:00 pm
Without question, the textile and design industries are changing rapidly. Part of the shift within our community is with the intent to make the supply chain more sustainable, fair and dynamic. For me, this is something I feel strongly about, and it is a consideration in everything we design. I am truly looking forward to this panel discussion to learn the ways other folks in the industry are moving forward and designing a better future.
"In October 2022 BYBORRE launched a new global initiative (WoTO™), together with a consortium of partners to democratize the textile supply chain to global and emerging brands, industry trailblazers and young talent. The Window of Textile Opportunities (WoTO™), showroom represents a worldwide transparent ecosystem of supply chain stakeholders and industry changemakers, housing permanent exhibitions of the partners. Borre Akkersdijk, Co-founder of BYBORRE, together with WoTO™ Partners join the conversation at the NYTM Panel Discussion on “Why the WoTO collaboration is leading to pathways forward for all plays in the textile industry”. Moderated by Noah Trager from FIT they will dive into why collaboration is important in changing the textile industry.” - NYTM
Lori Weitzner via NYTM
Lori Weitzner Jewelry Pop-Up + Open Studio
Wednesday, September 7th at 5:00 pm
We are so excited to be hosting an open studio and jewelry pop-up event as part of New York Textile Month! We will be in our beautiful “white box sanctuary” studio in Chelsea, with drinks, tours and a bit of mindful shopping.
More information about our studio event here!
Nadine Marchal via NYTM
Weaving a harmony between art, craft and industry to better spread a message
Wednesday, September 21st at 1:00 pm
While it is fantastic to have some many events back in New York City, and in person, there are a few NYTM events that are online.
Nadine Marchal is a textile designer with over 30 years of experience. She currently lives and works in France, where she will be offering a tour of her workspace, sharing her work, thoughts on the future of the industry, and her foundation, Weaving for Change.
More information on this virtual event here!
Via World Hope Forum
World Hope Forum Ireland
Saturday, September 24th at 9:00 am
World Hope Forum has been one of my favorite experiences for the last few years. I have loved every session I have attended, and cannot wait to hear what Antonia Reilly-Parker, the World Hope Forum ambassador from Ireland, has planned for this session!
More information on this virtual event here!
Carbon Farm via NYTM
Carbon Farm Tour with Laura Sansone from NY Textile Lab
Saturday, September 24th at 1:00 pm
If you have ever wanted to visit an alpaca farm, this is absolutely your chance! This tour provides an opportunity to get into the country, and experience climate-positive farming firsthand.
"Join New York Textile Lab at Little Creek Farm Alpacas to dig into healthy soil and see how your material sourcing can have a positive impact on climate change. Tour the farm and meet innovators from the agricultural and design industries who are actively working to shift our textile production systems to regenerative models. Explore Climate Beneficial textiles and engage in a Q&A panel to learn about current legislation, certifications, and other strategies to help us grow a textile industry rooted in social and environmental equity. Speakers include: Liz Alessi/ Coach, Becca Coughlan/ Remake, Gibson Durnford/ Watershed Agricultural Council, Stacie Chavez/ Imperial Yarn, Caroline Priebe/ The Center for the Advancement of Garment Making.” - NYTM
More information about this tour and panel here!
Virgil Abloh via NYTM
Beyond the numerous panels, lectures, tours and workshops, there is some thematic programming at a few NYC-based museums.
Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” is on view at the Brooklyn Museum in the Great Hall. Considered a multidisciplinary visionary, Abloh redefined the boundaries between art, design, culture and music.
'“Figures of Speech” traces Abloh’s exploration of the communicative power of design. His use of language and quotation marks turns his designs, and the people who engage with them, into literal figures of speech. The artist uses the Black gaze to dismantle the traditionally white-crafted structures at work in fashion, design, architecture, and art, reconstructing new work through the lens of the Black cultural experience.” - NYTM
Figures of Speech is open until Sunday, January 29th, and more information and tickets can be found here!
Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies via NYTM
At the Museum at FIT, there is a beautiful retrospective entitled Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies. This show aims to compare and contrast the work of two major couturiers of the previous century.
Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies is open until Sunday, November 6th and more information can be found here!
Addendum
For the first time, we are what they call “empty nesters”. It’s a good term. I’m proud of our girls - they are already important contributors to their communities in such positive ways. I’m enjoying some new freedoms and a tidy home. But - I have an ache too. Missing them a lot.