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Doshi Levien design Kvadrat collection inspired by Corbusier

Doshi Levien design Kvadrat collection inspired by Corbusier

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In collaboration with Kvadrat, London-based wunderkinds Doshi Levien have designed a range of curtain textiles inspired by Le Corbusier, which use high-tech fabrication methods.

“We researched Le Corbusier’s tapestries and paintings in the city of Chandigarh and were inspired by the brightly coloured buildings that faded in the sun over time, making the colours dusty.”

Four distinct textiles make up the collection – Lake, Utopia, Rocket and Fiction – two feature a densely woven diagonal pattern, while the others have a knitted, contemporary feel.

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Using architectural surfaces and textures as inspiration, the pair looked to concrete, glass and weathered metal, going so far as to cast these surfaces in plaster in order to create the natural patterns seen throughout the collection.

“We wanted to create technical fabrics but with soft, architectural colours,” say the designers.

Rocket and Fiction use a knitted approach, made with Trevira CS; both have a heavier look as needed for draping and are less likely to crease. Rocket uses a warp knit – a technique where the loops are interlocked vertically up the length of the fabric, giving it a firmer construction over conventional knitted fabrics. Perforations and a chain mail like appearance gives it a futuristic expression, along with the technology used in its fabrication.

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“The perforations of Rocket are inspired by high-tech fabrics used in sports and fashion with a science fiction feel of space age, lightness and speed,” explain the designers. Though the textile looks very light, it provides distinctive volume when draped.

Fiction uses a double-knit construction technique, resulting in a light front and dark back. By piece-dying the knitted fabrics, unique colourways are created – the reverse side colour also shines through, giving a three-dimensional effect. Fiction changes over the course of the day, becoming translucent depending on the levels of light.

In juxtaposition, the material castings directly inspire Utopia and Lake, using lighter choices in their execution. The light and shadow created by the relief effect on the castings are where the graphic pattern of Utopia comes from, while the iridescent and luminous quality of brushed aluminium and glass is interpreted in the fine diagonal twill of Lake.

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Using the subtlety of contrast, the twill pattern of Lake is only obvious when looked at close-up, the reflective strands contrasting against a matte background. Both Utopia and Lake are linked through their synergetic colour schemes with palettes of dusty natural tones, offset by both darker hues and some nuanced highlights. The outcome is fabrics that perfectly complement each other.

All fabrics are suitable to use across private and contract spaces. The collection is available now at Kvadrat Maharam.

kvadratmaharam.com

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