Suzanne Goodwin

Chasing Rainbows

Research Question

Can our fabrics respond to rapidly changing weather patterns?

What is the project about?

A celebration of the unpredictability of the weather.

My project is based on my ever growing concerns about the environment in which we now live. Climate change and rapidly evolving weather patterns are the main areas of motivation behind my work.

The key question is can my fabrics respond to rapidly changing weather patterns?

I have produced a range of innovative fabrics that respond to changing weather patterns.

These fabrics are responsive to the elements of wind,rain and the sun.

Patterns appear and dissappear unpredictably and fabrics expand and contract in response to the elements creating collections that are playful and poetic.

I have produced a range of garments that are imbedded in our natural behaviour,scarves,anoraks and dresses and will play a part in our future daily lives in London 2050.

They offer reassurance,raise awareness and possess a pleasure element.

Key Words: Responsive,playful,poetic and transfromable.

What materials and technologies have you used?

Technologies:digital printing,pleating,screen printing,sublimation printing and laminating.

Materials:responsive inks,water reactive,thermochromic,solar reactive and glow in the dark.

What is your vision of textile futures?

My textile future is in the medium to long term future (2050) where we as designers are answering the design challenges of the 21st Century.We will be designing within a dramatically changing world and will have become even more environmentally aware. Nature and it's hidden treasures will be re-examined and we will have greater possibilities to translate these findings to the design arena.

What inspires you?

Travel,weather,nature,people architecture,art,music,new challenges and experiences.

What are you dreaming?

It's 2050 London...Gene Kelly and I are singing and dancing in the rain in our weather responsive fabrics of course!!

Thank you to David Poole for photography.

Biography

I have returned to study on the MA Future Textiles to investigate and explore the latest technologies and fabric developments and to question and challenge existing design limitations in Textiles.

I have been involved in the Fashion Industry for over 13 years.I have been fortunate to work alongside designers at the forefront of the industry.I have broad creative experience in many cities throughout the World including London,New York,Milan and Dublin.

During my career I have been involved in many exciting&diverse projects. Textile Design has always been of paramount importance to my work.I am drawn to the areas of Smart and Sustainable Textiles and how these will evolve and impact our Future Lifestyles.

I believe this is an incredibly exciting and challenging time to be involved in the future of Textiles.

I do not want to get left behind!

Year 1 Projects

• Innovative Textiles Project

• Philips Habitat Project *Design scenario for our Future Habitat

Images

Previous work

Links

Contact

feel free to contact me at:

sue1goodwin@yahoo.co.uk

mobile:+44 (0)7766283695