Project 1281 Picks Up A New Textile Thread

Print, texture and fabric are as essential to any fashion designer as the construction of a design, which is why the top names in fashion flock to Project 1281 for breathtaking and innovative textiles. Vera Wang, Elie Tahari and Marc Jacobs, are just a few of the labels that have the company on their radar. The founders behind Project 1281 began their venture into the world of textile in 2008 as a response to the lack of textile design that incorporated the traditional hand-works of India with modern Western elements.

In a time where most textile design is produced graphically, Project 1281 prides itself on working by hand. The company is committed to working closely with each product throughout the production process to ensure the impeccable quality of each design. In October 2009 Project 1281 decided to curate a Strike-Off to gather its illustrious client base together under one roof to showcase the latest trends in textile.

The event was a huge success and was highly attended by a mixture of designers from around the world. Suzanne Punch, for instance, showcased her visually arresting work, which has pushed the boundaries of the ancient medium of painting on silk since 1984. Her aim is to bring a fine art sensibility to the interaction of dyes and resists on silk to open up new possibilities of painterly expression—an ambition that has earned her work with such notable designers like Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren.

Already recognized internationally for her use of machine knitting to create ground-breaking clothing, textiles and 3-D installations, Liz Collins also exhibited an incredible catalog of knit swatches. Dayna Holli Textiles, meanwhile, showed her extensive library of various cultural art pieces that are not limited exclusively to fabric swatches. In addition to her fabric, she also curates a collection of vintage clothing, jewelry and other handmade and hand-embellished items.

Beyond the textile designers, there was a great range of representation from all facets of the industry. Vena Cava, Madewell, Gary Graham, Opening Ceremony, Vera Wang, Elie Tahari and Marc Jacobs were all in attendance, along with interior designers such as ABC Carpet and Home as well as furniture designers such as Meier/Ferrer. The Strike-Off was such a success for Project 1281 that plans for the next one are already in the works. With less than two years in the business, Project 1281 has proven without a shadow of a doubt that a long and prosperous textile-driven future lies ahead.

—Nana-Adwoa Ofori