WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
African Jacquard’s innovative new textile collection is woven with eco-friendly fibre made from seaweed.
Launching at African Jacquard‘s second annual Textile Experience in June 2024, the Kelp Forest Collection showcases the brand’s commitment to eco-conscious innovation within the local textile industry.
What makes this new collection special is the fabric itself. The aptly named Kelp Forest Collection includes a non-toxic, natural future fabric called SeaCell™, which combines cellulose fibres (a structural component of plant cell walls) from beech and eucalyptus trees with organic brown seaweed. The result is a soft, breathable fabric with a smooth finish.
“We were inspired by the ocean’s rich palette and played with colour, texture, and depth to create fabrics that are as extraordinary as they are timeless. Each thread tells a story of craftsmanship and creativity, a homage to the beauty that surrounds us,” says Christine Daron, Founder of African Jacquard.
“Our work has always been driven by the continent’s culture, diversity and sheer authentic nature. If we can continue to reflect this essence in the textiles we create while remaining conscious of the environment, it fulfils many of our goals. This is only the start of our sustainability journey and there is so much for us to explore”, adds Donna Allin, Managing Director at African Jacquard.
By unveiling their Kelp Forest Collection during the five-day Textile Experience, the African Jacquard team is collectively investing in the potential of South Africa’s home textile and fashion landscape. It also serves as a call for widespread support and appreciation of local design, supporting the conceptual ingenuity of local designers and greater interest in the vibrant cultural tapestry that Africa offers in terms of quality and creativity | africanjacquard.com.
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