Studies of natural resources and ancient traditional crafts are a major source of inspiration for industrial design. The final products are often rough edged and have an earthy, primitive aesthetic. Recently this development seems to have affected fashion with expressive textures, raw edges and organic silhouettes. Under creative direction of the talented Jonathan Anderson, the Spanish brand Loewe takes the lead. I think his commitment to craft and materiality – interpreted in a very modernistic way – can result into new visions on fashion.
Many contemporary designers anticipate to the current economic systems, the growing aversion of mass production, a fully digitized life and major environmental problems, by doing thorough research into raw, natural materials linked to either traditional crafts or cutting-edge innovative techniques. The often ultimately archaic design language – in wood, clay, glass, rattan, stone or metal – seems to connect to a kind of back to basic, conscious lifestyle.
