Fabric as art

Kvadrat celebrated their first and most iconic fabric, Hallingdal 65, with an exquisite and unique installation in Jill Sander’s showroom. It was one of VISI deputy editor Annemarie Meintjies’ highlights of Salone del Mobile 2012. 

Kvadrat invited seven international curators to select design talents from seven key regions, amounting to 32 in total. The open brief presented each curator with the task of selecting designers that would reinterpret the classic textile, developed more than 45 years ago, in a modern context. The results were amazing, proving that a little imagination goes a long way towards re-invigorating an old brand, and making something as ordinary as woolen fabric come to life as something modern and exciting. Indeed, the creative vision of the curators elevated this particular product presentation to an art exhibition.

Hallingdal 65, Kvadrat’s first textile, has become the archetype of woolen textiles. The durable upholstery fabric was originally designed in 1965 by Nanna Ditzel and made of wool and viscose, which complement each other perfectly: the wool provides excellent durability and flexibility, whilst the viscose adds brilliance and depth to the colour. Both materials are dyed before they are spun, which highlights the rich texture of the fabric. The fabric comes in 58 colourways and the versatile palette includes neutral, strong hues as well as vibrant primary colours. To this day, it remains one of the bestselling textiles of the Kvadrat collection.

For more info visit www.kvadrat.dk