Belén: Palazzo Clerici /120

Among the projects presented at Palazzo Clerici is the research into materials carried out by a Dutch studio that resulted in textiles using wood-fibre, leather and steel and handcrafted processes.

At Palazzo Clerici the Dutch studio Belén, established by Brecht Duijf and Lenneke Langenhuijsen presented part of their own ongoing research into materials that has given rise to two brands through which the designers market their various product lines.

The basis for each “cambial” is tapa, a wood cloth produced using ancient and sustainable artisan methods in Tonga that is “embellished” with embroidery and dyes to different extents depending on the use that the fabric is for.

18-11-18 is a brand that addresses the transformation of various materials into fabrics. Skin Scarf uses an African leather that is then treated in Italy due to the higher quality of the dying process and undergoes a special treatment that makes it very fine and soft.

Belén, Indigo Jacket — Indigo Jacket, design Belén for the brand 18-11-81

The Indigo Jacket is made with a very thin fabric of Chinese origin produced by the Miao people using ancient techniques; it dyed dark-blue using a long and complex process. The Unseen glasses meanwhile are produced entirely from steel produced in Russia that is particularly light. A texture is worked with 0.3 mm holes that filters a third of the sun’s rays, it is then supplied flat and each person adapts it to the shape of their own face.