Weavers of the Clouds




I came to it rather late, as it has been going on since 21st June, but the exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey Street, near London Bridge, is fabulous.
Weavers of the Clouds is an introduction to the textile arts of Peru, and it includes an overview of contemporary fashion inspired by Peruvian textiles as also contemporary Peruvian art.
The Fashion and Textile Museum is "small but perfectly formed" as the saying goes. It is not as grand as the V&A and it probably works on a fraction of the V&A budget, but the exhibitions held at the museum are always a lovely experience for the visitor.
This one on Peruvian textiles is visually exciting and very informative. A small catalogue is given out to all the visitors thus it is easy to navigate the galleries. There are no labels, so the catalogue is a constant reference point.
The display is very good. I felt I could immerse myself in Peruvian textile art and really appreciated the references to contemporary fashion.


A collaboration between Chelsea College of Art and KUNA, Incalpaca, who produce and manufacture garments made from alpaca and vicuña resulted in a series of well thought out designs executed by the students. Two prizewinners were selected, Naphat Sintrirat and Ella Wall and works by eleven students were displayed in the exhibition.
The sheer colours of the weave and fabrics are enough to brighten up a gloomy day. I spent nearly two hours there and plan to visit again. I dabble in dressmaking and feel inspired to try out a few things!

What we learn from such an exhibition is the importance of finding out about, and collaborating with skilled craftsmen, creating a fashion that is durable and sustainable and which is respectful of a community's identity.   A fashion for the 21st century, drawing on age-old traditions and techniques.
I definitely go along with that.

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