Recycled leather, natural fibres, 3D printed fabric… During MaterialDistrict Rotterdam 2019 (12-14 March in Rotterdam Ahoy, the Netherlands) the textile and fashion designer will fancy themselves in the future!

With an extensive speaker programme, put together along with ambassadors Anne Marie Commandeur (Stijlinstituut) and Liesbeth in ‘t Hout, a large collection of materials from the independent MaterialDistrict collection and fascinating exhibition pieces, MaterialDistrict Rotterdam is once again a source of inspiration!

Which trends do we see in the sector Textiles & Fabrics?
The textile sector is evolving in many different sectors: the clothing industry, interior design, and technical applications. A variety of materials is used: from wood to bamboo, from glass to ceramics, from natural stone to plastics, and even concrete. The source of these innovations is once again circularity.

Textile is very versatile. In the material, in the fibre, in the thread, and in the many processing techniques, a lot of properties can be added to make better breathing sports clothing, acoustic smell-absorbing curtains, reflecting UV-resistant solar screens, and beautiful luxurious fashion creations. There are also more fabrics that are interactive due to smart materials, have anti-radiation effects, filter toxic substances, or have anti-bacterial effects or humidity regulating properties. E-textiles are improving because the innovation takes place inside the fibre itself. 3D printing is also on the rise when it comes to making accessories, shoes and even complete outfits. The recycling of textiles is limited to mostly downcycling right now. The fibres are used as nonwovens in insulation or composite materials, but more and more examples of upcycling occur nowadays. ‘Vegan’ leather, made of plant-based materials, is very popular as well. Innovations in the textile sector are on the rise and will contribute to making the fashion industry more sustainable.

Click here for an interview with ambassadors Anne Marie Commandeur and Liesbeth in ‘t Hout.

Materials from the independent MaterialDistrict collection
During this three-day event, MaterialDistrict will show the newest materials from its independent collection, which were scouted during the past year. A small selection of materials:

Embossed printed canvas (PLA1178) consist of layers of 100% cotton fabric, with in between foam rubber to create an embossed effect. Experimental textile design (PLA1162) is made by MUUNA, an experimental ‘materials’ studio that aims to push the boundaries of textile design beyond the traditional. Tchouc textile (ONA781) is the result of La Gadoue’s research on latex coating on natural canvas. Nettle & cypress fabric (ONA770) are blended fabrics containing stinging nettle and cypress fibre. Corium bonded leather (ONA747) is a natural material, made from scraps of leather, and has a similar look and feel to real leather.

Large exhibition pieces
MaterialDistrict Rotterdam is for 140 exhibitors the annual platform to present their material innovations with their own presentation at the trade fair floor. Aside from the presentations by exhibitors and the independent material exhibition, several large exhibition pieces – often never shown to the public before – will be exhibited during the trade fair, showing the visitor a glimpse of the future. What can you expect?

Weave (K)not Waste
By weaving patterns directly to shape, Sarah Brunnhuber eliminates cutting waste, and by knotting her designs together, she gets rid of sewing residue. The knots in her clothing represent the time and craftsmanship that lacks in most industrial produced clothes.

Gumshoe
Roughly 1.5 million kilograms of gum ends up on the streets in the Netherlands each year. The Gumdrop company made collection points where people could deposit their gum. This old gum is then used to make the material Gum-Tec, which is used to make a variety of products. The soles of these shoes are made of gum from Amsterdam.

The Grotto
The cartilaginous effect of these textiles evoke the grotesque style of the Dutch and German Mannerists of the 17th century, like Johann Heinrich Keller, Adam van Vianen or Friedrich Unteusch. In their time, they pushed the possibilities of this style right to the very frontiers of abstraction. Four centuries later, Bart Hess explores this strange world in all its contemporary relevance.

Lecture programme Textiles & Fabrics
MaterialDistrict Rotterdam is known for its high-profile lecture programme, which includes renowned (inter)national architects, scientists, designers and other experts. After last year’s success, there will be once more two simultaneous theatre programmes this year, providing a line-up of 60 speakers who will share their knowledge and experience with the audience.

Thursday afternoon 14 March the lecture programme ‘Textiles & Fabrics’ takes place in the MaterialDistrict theatre. Speakers are ambassador Anne Marie Commandeur (Stijlinstituut), Niek Pulles (Nike), Liselore Frowijn (Studio Frowijn), and Simone Post (Studio Simone Post). Check the full programme here.

Visit us
MaterialDistrict Rotterdam 2019 takes place from Tuesday 12 March until Thursday 14 March, in Rotterdam Ahoy, the Netherlands. For more information and a free ticket, click here.