My interest in using unconventional materials in the construction of new textiles began with the development of woven metal fabrics by taking a blacksmithing approach to textiles (2010). Inspired by my brother who is a blacksmith, these textile pieces borrow their aesthetics and morphology from the art of metalsmithing and the forge. The aim of this practice-based investigation was to identify a meeting point were such two juxtaposed tactile materials meet. Through the modification of existing weaving techniques, and a considered approach to the properties of metals and textiles alike, these textiles have been uniquely designed to absorb, reflect and adorn the habitual gestures of its user. These metal textiles have been shown in exhibitions (Milan and London, 2010 and 2011 respectively) and interest in this work has come from BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour (2010) as well as from publications such as Elle Decoration (2011), Cover magazine (2014) and ‘Designing with Smart Textiles’ (Kettley, 2016. Bloomsbury).

These metal textiles were then used to form a ready-to-wear collection of garments (featured here). The garments have been shown in Dezeen magazine (2014), Frame Magazine (2014), Postmatter (2014), Velvet Dust Magazine (2014) and Vesper Magazine (2014).