Reimagining old techniques in current narratives
Smokproef is a collection of explorative samples, all investigating the intersection of traditional and contemporary techniques. By pairing smocking with vinyl appliqués, this project generates a dynamic tension between the labor intensive and soft nature of smocking and the smooth and stiff qualities of vinyl.
The unpredictability of the material’s behavior is pivotal in shaping the outcomes of the samples, resulting in an iterative design process with reflection at its core. Through this process, the original structure of smocking patterns are distorted, creating possibilities in aesthetical and functional uses.
By combining these two techniques, Smokproef shows how old handcrafting techniques still have relevance in contemporary design, even in this fast-paced and technology-driven world.