Textile Insight

textileinsight.com 26 • Textile Insight ~ November/December 2018 Where is inspiration found? What textiles are intriguing? How does good design take shape? To find answers to these, and other queries on materials, we went right to the source: the talented individuals profiled here. Their responses are creative, thoughtful and occasionally surprising. In other words, just what we've come to expect from our Trendsetter can- didates. For this, our 7th Annual Trendsetters feature, we also take a look at Trendsetting Places and report on Trendsetting Product Categories. Combined, our Trendsetter coverage provides a birds-eye view on how the active/outdoor market is evolving in new and exciting ways. For example, you may not be aware, but scoby are coming! Read on to find out why. INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS DESIGN, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & TEXTILE INNOVATION TRENDSETTERS 2018 LAEL WILLIAMS Manager, Fabric Research & Development, Canada Goose The best advice I got at an early age that shapes my creative thinking now is: When I was 14, I went to go see an agent because I wanted to become an actress. After telling me that I couldn't be an actress because I was too introverted she gave me some advice that has stuck with me and has become a mantra: ask questions, lots of them. A material solution I helped bring to market is: Technical Cashmere. My favorite pair of jeans is: Vintage men's Wranglers, they are too big for me and I only wear them on weekends, but I love the outline of the previous owner's wallet on the back pocket. A brand I admire outside of our industry for smart out-of-the-box innovation is: Corcrete, which is a lightweight composite material made of recycled cork, cement and bamboo and can be used in a variety of applications such as furniture or countertops. The textile I'm currently intrigued with is: Bio Leather, I have been toying with the idea of growing my own scoby at home. When looking for inspiration I seek: Problems that I can help solve. An ideal blend of function and fashion (per- centage-wise) in most cases is: 100 percent function / 100 percent fashion. Good design is obvious when: It functions and looks good while doing it. The biggest change in material sourcing I've experienced thus far in my career is: The transition from Naturals to Synthetics and vice versa. I waste time by: I don't like to waste time, life is too short, but you might catch me fly fishing every now and then.l SUSAN COSTA-WALSTON Founder/Designer, Lily Trotters When looking for inspira- tion I seek: Brainstorming with other designers. Two creatives are better than one, and we can really help each other to think about and look at a chal- lenge differently. An ideal blend of function and fashion (per- centage-wise) in most cases is: 80/20; 80 percent function because the basic construction of a product is the most impor- tant, it has to really work; and 20 percent fashion, but I prefer the word 'design' as good design defines not just how a product 'looks' but also how the product is made. The best advice I got at an early age that shapes my creative thinking now is: No matter the artistic challenge, be it a photo, a graphic, a painting, a room or even a sock design, it all boils down to the basics of composition — balance, focus, proportion, etc. A brand I admire outside of our industry for smart out-of-the-box innovation is: Soma Water. My favorite pair of jeans is: Lucky Brand, Sweet Boot Cut. Good design is obvious when: Good design is obvious when something is really beautiful but looks so simple. There is typically a much higher concept behind what many don't see. It appears effortless, like the way an elite ath- lete can gracefully execute the most difficult activity and make it look so easy. I waste time by: Playing with my dog and sidekick, T-bone! He's just so dang cute. His face and chubby rolls receive tons of 'cute aggression' and are a frequent and welcome distraction from my long 'to-do' list. l JENNYKA WASSERMAN Marketing & Development Nishat Dyeing & Finishing An ideal blend of function and fashion (percentage- wise) in most cases is: I love fashion, so I'm prob- ably not going to pick it off the rack unless it speaks to me. That being said, it won't leave my closet if it's not functional — so it's 50/50 for me. As I get older it's more important for me to find both. I'd rather buy a few quality pieces that will last and serve a purpose rather then a trendy piece that's not made well, or just isn't me. The best advice I got at an early age that shapes my creative thinking now is: From an early age I think I was exposed to many dif- ferent cultures, growing up in NYC in the 80s, it was a true melting pot with so much street style going on. My mom is from Norway so there was always this different perspective

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