Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1492065
This may seem utopian to some, but it is important to remember that this is how humans used to live, and somewhere along the line, we began to see ourselves as separate from nature. Only by realizing that we are a part of nature can we achieve balance and potentially reinvent ourselves. Q4: How are today's emerging cultural influences and shifts in corporate and consumer behavior impacting textile innovation? There are many examples of textile innovations. One that I am really passionate about is the rise of Neuroaesthetics design and its ability to nurture wellbeing as a response to increased levels of anxiety and stress among societies. A recent example that I saw is by the Dutch studio Alissa+Nienke. In collaboration with psychologists and sensorial curators, they created interactive spaces using textiles and materials to stimulate the senses and enhance wellbeing. ese spaces are designed to influence specific moods based on the mental state of the user. In the outdoor apparel industry, designing for rest and recovery is becoming just as important as designing for peak performance. By incorporating new technologies such as programmable textiles, biomimicry, and haptic technologies, apparel can help regulate temperature and prevent injuries. Additionally, using bio-fibers that release minerals that aid in muscle relief can help create a more mindful approach to performance. e future of apparel will link the mind with the body to provide solutions for a more mindful approach to performance. Q5: What developments are on the horizon that you are most excited about? e integration of physical and digital tools is enabling greater co-creation and customization in the fashion industry. e whole made-to-order space is fascinating and has a potential to revolutionize how clothes are made. ings like overproduction, material waste and returns can be significantly reduced. Take Unspun jeans for example, they use fit tech and 3D weaving machines to deliver a customized product in the span of 2-3 weeks for the price of normal jeans. Q6: What advice can you share with the textile community about how to approach product development to create successfully for the future? My advice is to zoom out and look for inspirations and solutions beyond the obvious. I like the quote by Albert Einstein in that, "we cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them." Put on your futurist hat and look at the 5 year + development horizon and work backward. We have to transform the way we make materials into a regenerative process. Advancements in biotechnology, generative design, digitalization, and even 4D printing will fundamentally change the way we develop materials. So, I would say that you should aim to operate at the intersection of technology, nature, and future consumer needs. n textileinsight.com Winter 2023 ~ Textile Insight • 27 Technical performance fabrics designed for: · Outerwear · Accvewear · Running · Surf · Skiing · · Snowboarding · Golf · Luggage · Packs · Tents · Tacccal Gear · Sleeping Bags www.brookwoodcompanies.com ® AN INTEGRATED TEXTILE COMPANY MILITARY CONSUMER INDUSTRIAL MARKETING DIVISIONS BROOKWOOD FINISHING BROOKWOOD LAMINATING MANUFACTURING ROLL GOODS IN STOCK SOLUTIONS4™ TRIDENT TEXTILES