New York: Studio Visits

Our trip to New York consisted of three organised studio tours that related to our specialist practice. This added excitement to our trip and an insight into how real companies design and produce.

The Rug company was my most inspiring studio visit. Set in Soho, The Rug Company had the most beautiful showroom, showcasing incredible hand woven designs. One of my favourite things about this visit was that the Head of Sales, Ricky Booth, studied his Textiles Degree at Manchester School of Art, and now as a family, living in Brooklyn, New York. This was considerably inspiring coming from the same University and knowing the positions that are potentially achievable once I graduate.

 

The Rug Company collaborated with many famous designers (generically known for their work in fashion), such as Alexander McQueen, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood, and their style in design is made apparent in the weave structures and colours of the specialist rugs. I'd never thought about going into Rugs as a textile option before visiting this studio, but I was captivated by the way they were made.

Maharam

Maharam is a provider of textiles for commercial and residential interiors. The studio was a very clean and open space, and has stunning views looking right over the Brooklyn bridge. I was mainly interested in this visit as they stock only for interiors, which is an area that I specifically would like to go into.

This was one of my favourite designs, 'Agency' by Sarah Morris, specifically woven as fabric for upholstery. This Jacquard woven material comes in four different colour ways and was a beautiful mix of retro and contemporary design.

Studio Brad (Bradley Rothenberg)

 

 

Bradley Rothenberg are a 3D printing company that design for fashion, jewellery and accessories. They are weaving their way into high end fashion such as Victoria's Secret, Katie Gallagher and Katya Leonovitch, showcasing on the runway. I feel that this studio visit didn't entirely inspire me or cater towards my specialist practice, however, it taught me so much about digital printing that I previously didn't know. I was amazed at the design software the company used to create interlocking, flexible, cellular textiles.