From Flat to Fantastic:
The Evolution of Textile Design with Milou Voorwinden
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS
Imagine a future where textiles go beyond flat fabrics – where they emerge from the loom as complete, seamless, and sustainable creations, tailored to individual needs – that’s precisely what Milou Voorwinden is bringing to life with her innovative explorations in woven form.
Instead of settling for flat, static materials, she’s tapping into cutting-edge technology to create three-dimensional fabrics that push us to reimagine what textiles can do – and what they can mean to us. “From the first moment I sat behind a loom, I was amazed by the endless possibilities of woven textiles. The yarn, weave structures and each row of thread you insert, all can have a different effect on the properties and the aesthetics of the final fabric”, explained Milou.
Driven to constantly reinvent traditional techniques, Milou, a graduate of ArtEZ University of the Arts, not only holds a Master’s degree from the Piet Zwart Institute, but is currently also pursuing a PhD at Delft University of Technology, where she focuses on the methods and processes of woven textile design to support the creation of textile-forms.
What sets Milou apart is her fierce commitment to zero-waste production which fits in with the direction of where the industry is headed, where sustainability is as much a necessity as it is a choice. For Milou, fabric isn’t just fabric – it’s an adaptable, form-fitting medium that can respond to our evolving needs without compromising on sustainability. Her approach to on-demand, localised manufacturing of textiles ensures that excess is out, and efficiency is in. For Milou it isn’t just about Innovation; but it’s also a revolution.
“From the first moment I sat behind a loom, I was amazed by the endless possibilities of woven textiles. The yarn, weave structures and each row of thread you insert, all can have a different effect on the properties and the aesthetics of the final fabric.”
credit: Lieke Bielderman
Milou’s Collaborative Journey
The artworks and samples on display in this exhibition serve as technical studies for the textile-form products Milou develops. They represent the foundation of her approach, bridging the gap between conceptual experimentation and real-world application.
One such application is her collaboration with Holly McQuillan to develop zero-waste 3D-woven trousers. This project exemplifies how technical exploration in weaving can lead to entirely new paradigms in garment design, pushing the boundaries of form, functionality, and sustainability.
Additionally, Milou worked with TU Delft graduates Jordan Groskamp and Barbara Vroom to design and create zero-waste jeans and a jacket, respectively. These projects were developed in partnership with the denim weaving mill Diamond Denim, under supervision of Holly McQuillan and mentored by Mohsin Sajid. These collaborations highlight the power of combining innovative weaving techniques with the expertise of industry leaders to produce garments that are as sustainable as they are forward-thinking.
Engage with Milou’s World
Interested in delving deeper into Milou’s innovative work in textile design? She welcomes you to explore, learn, and perhaps engage with the evolving landscape of textile design. Whether you are a designer, industry professional, or just keenly interested, Milou’s projects provide a window into a future where sustainability and functionality converge beautifully.
credit: Lieke Bielderman
credit: Lieke Bielderman
credit: Lieke Bielderman
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