Venus In Fury – The New Age of Psychedelic Textiles
Imagined by Shushanik Droshakiryan
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS
What if a design lab was more than just a creative space? What if it were a living manifesto, continually challenging how we see fashion, luxury, and sustainability? That’s exactly what Shushanik Droshakiryan has created in Venus In Fury.
Based in Amsterdam, Shushanik‘s lab draws inspiration from the planet Venus – which is fiery and chaotic – by embodying the planet’s turbulent energy. With the spirit of rebellion showing up in every fibre of her designs, her lab boldly reimagines how fabrics are produced, used, and ultimately returned to the earth.
“By emphasising the end-of-life stage, I highlight the importance of designing with a circular economy in mind, pointing us toward a future where caring for the earth goes hand-in-hand with fashion innovation.”
A Call to Rethink Material Life: Revolutionary Approach to Textiles
Marking a seismic shift from traditional textile creation, Venus In Fury’s approach starts not with a sketch, but with a selection of natural materials like Dutch wool and seaweed. Driven by interdisciplinary biomaterial research, Shushanik works with materials designed from an unusual combination of elements for example wool waste with aquatic plants, coffee waste with charcoal.
Central to Shushanik’s work is a deep respect for how materials are used from start to finish. Her strategy, called “Starting from the End,” challenges the usual way of making materials last a long time. Instead, she makes materials that are meant to have short lives but are still full of interesting stories and are made exceptionally well. This approach means each piece not only makes a statement but also helps the environment by breaking down quickly to improve the soil.
Drawing on the mystical Sufi traditions of southern Armenia, Shushanik introduced the Grande SŪF Installation at Dutch Design Week 2024 (DDW2024). She proved that “sustainable” doesn’t have to mean “plain”, by transforming simple wool and seaweed into lush, fur-like textures. Her installation at DDW2024 not only pushed the boundaries of what eco-friendly materials can look like but also reinforced Venus In Fury’s core belief: that true luxury is rooted in respect – both for the craft and for the planet.
Ultimately, Shushanik’s work is a rallying cry for the fashion and design worlds to reconsider how materials are sourced, valued, and returned to nature.
Engage with Venus In Fury
Every textile from Shushanik’s studio not only tells a story of ecological awareness and craftsmanship – but is also an open invitation to you to join the conversation on a different kind of sustainable luxury.
If you’re intrigued by this bold fusion of artistry, sustainability, and innovation, then you can engage with Shushanik via her LinkedIn profile or follow her artistic and ecological journey on Instagram at @shushanikdroshakiryan or check out the full collection at DDW24_PSYCHEDELIC TEXTILES.
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