Then&There: Socially-motivated local brand MATTER unveils new collection
mis à jour le 16 October 2015 à 11:13
Travel wear has never looked so chic (and socially responsible!).
We've introduced you to local socially-motivated brand MATTER over the past years, and they're now back again with a new collection. Adding to its Pants to See the World In edition, the new Then&There collection aims to evoke a sense of questioning among customers on "What happened, where, and when?"
THE DESIGNERS
The new collection taps on the idea of looking to the past and understanding traditions in order for progress to happen - stories of age-old traditions, cherished craftsmanship and treasured cultural heritage revolve around the line of conscious clothing.
Four Asian designers have collaborated with the brand to create prints that tell tales of their home countries. Representing Singapore, Yah Leng Yu of Foreign Policy Design designed a print that represents Singapore’s melting pot of mixed cultures and its development from a third-world to first-world nation.
Nitya Amarnath, founder of Botto Studio in India, taps into the myriad textile visual languages from all across the subcontinent, settling on a kaleidoscopic motif that represents the country’s diversity. Anya Lim of Philippines’ ANTHILL Fabric Gallery reinterpreted her country’s flag together with the carvings found on a traditional musical instrument, the Kulintang gong. Hailing from Indonesia, Joseph Lim and Bai Soemarlono from fashion and design label Populo Batik took inspiration from the 18th century Truntum motif that symbolises unconditional love and solidarity.
As a result, four signature styles make up the collection, which each come in the variety of prints and colours by the designers. Four scarves of a silk cotton blend also complement the new styles.
TIME-HONOURED TECHNIQUES
After having used the IKAT technique for its previous line, the new range adopts the olden technique of block printing to create the prints. The method traces its roots back to over 4,000 years ago, using wooden blocks to make an inked impression on a plain surface. 10 careful steps make up the whole process, many done by hand and requiring the expertise of trained artisans whose skills are honed through years of generation transfer.
To celebrate the Then&There collection debut, MATTER will also be launching a selection of associated knick-knacks and mementos, which include colorful bracelets from India, customised postcards and key chains, functional fabric pouches and even a colouring book of fabric pattern sketches. The selection will be displayed in an interactive environment with the Nomad Cart, a traveling showcase of the brand’s products and wares. The items are complimentary with every purchase and available for a limited run, while stocks last.
View the collection above, photographed in a picturesque landscape of ruins and gracefully aged surroundings, suited perfectly for the stories that are entailed.
The Then&There collection is available from 15th October at www.matterprints.com and various stockists.
Nur Syazana H.
