THE NOT SO WEEKLY EDIT: FROM ANTIBACTERIAL BACKPACKS TO MICRO FASHION FACTORIES IN CITIES

Hello October, you came by quick! Sink into our latest monthly edit highlighting some of the most captivating trend research we have come across, from cutting-edge orthopaedic footwear, to antibacterial backpacks and illuminated jelly-like structures taking over the elusive marine life.

Now let’s get to it! 👇🏻

FOOTWEAR | Orthopaedic footwear, but make it fashion! Ukraine-based SINOBI, creates cutting-edge footwear based on medical orthopaedic research to optimise foot health. Inspired by Japanese philosophy of ‘balancing inner wellness’, the shoes ‘provide comfort and stability with each step, relieving muscle fatigue and joint stress, improving blood circulation in the legs and provide a solid stance and proper alignment’.

ACCESSORIES | Ever thought your accessory could block viruses? The pandemic has instilled an existing fear of germs and bacteria in us. The antibacterial brand, Dare To Roam, has designed functional and clean accessories that ‘inhibit the spread of bacteria’ through the use of DTR fabric. This is a new textile innovation that has elevated performance wear by incorporating material science for next-gen product users.

TECHNOLOGY | ‘Technologies of Hope: 100 Responses to The Pandemic. Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic we have seen a rise in data-driven technologies being produced to cope with the demand of the crisis. The Technologies of Hope project explores a selection of technologies designed to ‘observe, sense, mitigate or modify the behaviour of the coronavirus. However, the flare-up of pandemic technology engulfing almost all aspects of our lives may however normalise ‘behavioural and biometric intelligence’, putting in question privacy and raising surveillance issues.

BACTERIA | Russian artist Daria Fedorova, composes a chromatic series of microbiological cultivations, celebrating bacteria and fungi in their unique and structural forms. Each sample of the microorganism colony are set to stay for 3-4 weeks in the incubation period, resulting in an artful arrangement of psychedelic and high contrast colour combinations.

SUSTAINABILITY | The Pattern Project is a micro-factory recently on view at the V&A’s Sackler center as part of the London Design Festival. Based in South London, the micro factory was founded by researcher and maker Shruti Grover and Data Scientist Simon Johnson. The aim of the company is to manufacture conscious, clean, and local clothing, at-human-scale to allow brands small batches and allow consumers to produce clothing and take the prep out of sewing. The company sells ‘Sew-It-Yourself Kits and Ready-To-Wear clothes.

FUTURE | Future Materials PGX RCA 2021 is an industry set for MA Textiles courses. The project is an opportunity for students to develop their design practice and skills to apply to real life challenges. With vast amounts of plastic still being mass produced, designers have a responsibility to create solutions. The students showcased a digital exhibition of beautifully handcrafted solutions by working with new materials and innate textures.

FUTURES | “Escape into the distant future to learn what’s coming.” Deep Futures is an exciting series of talks, envisioning the future. Annalee Newtiz profiles some fascinating figures in the different industries including: the future of democracy, the future of medicine and the future of cities.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Salih Basheer develops an arresting portfolio, documenting everyday life in North Eastern Africa. The photographer curates a visual story, shinning a light on the country, the people, street life and scenes, highlighting life in Cairo and Khartoum. We were inspired by his predominately black and white street photography.

EARTH | Are Antarctic jellies a magic portal to another world? A short film “Life Beneath the Ice” showcases ‘illuminated’ marine creatures. Amateur wildlife videographer and photographer Cimoli, captures a rare glimpse of the ocean eco-system consisting of close-up views of gelatinous, delicate, and hypnotic jelly-like structures below the Antarctic ice. "When curiosity is triggered, it engages one to get deeply involved and become knowledgeable about something" Cimoli states.