Mariia Elizarova's profile

The Universe Collection

The Universe Collection
Collection of woven samples 
developed in a course by Aalto University


The Universe collection represents an idea of space exploration, diving into the themes of visual distortion and illusion, exploration of materials and forms, as well as associated textures and colors. The choice of colors, yarns and patterns for each fabric is defined by the fabric´s concept, whether it is a surface of the Moon or a shimmer of faraway galaxies. 
The collection is a bold experiment with woven structures and use of material, yet also an act of artistic self-expression.


Design by Mariia Elizarova
Photography by Mariia Elizarova



Universe

The Universe is a pocket weave cloth with a twisted wool yarn on the top layer and a stainless metal yarn on the under layer. The shiny effect of the under layer shows through just a bit on the front layer and symbolizes a light from unattainable galaxies and stars of the Universe. The stainless metal yarn also translates an idea of a cold, alien yet enchanting space.



Moon

The fabric was inspired by images of the Moon´s surface that is full of craters. In its woven interpretation, the surface has a spongy and crispy feeling achieved by usage of stiff linen and shrinking silk elastane yarns in weft. Combined with a pocket weave structure, the materials give a dramatic visual effect of the Moon´s rocks and dimples. After got finished, the woven cloth was steamed to shrink the elastane yarn and trigger a dramatic 3D effect. Also, a silk metal yarn was used to add a soft shine to the cloth and create an association with space dust.



Rustle

The fabric got its name due to a characteristic sound it creates when compressed. Ability to stretch and create a rustling sound is achieved with a use of a polyamide tape in weft and a waffle structure known for its three-dimensional look and flexibility. The materials used and the woven construction represent an idea of physical distortion.



Illusion

The Illusion is a soft woolen fabric hand-woven on 32 shafts loom with a special threading. The woven structure recreates a classical optical illusion and visual three-dimensionality.



Wires

The futuristic Wires fabric is made of synthetic materials, incorporating a shiny magenta metal yarn. The structure is an experimental combination of dense plain weave and long weft floats, rather conceptual then utilitarian due to its fluid and shifting quality.



Waves

The Waves fabric represents material and time compression: in outer space time shrinks and stretches as if it is the most flexible material in the world. The cloth is woven with a silk elastane and linen and then dyed into a bright magenta – a futuristic color of faraway galaxies. The thee-dimensional effect is achieved in the dying and boiling process that drastically shrinks the yarns and raises open pocket areas (the waves) over the surface.





Thank you!


The Universe Collection
Published:

The Universe Collection

Collection of experimental woven samples: colour and material exploration and storytelling.

Published: