Studio Eva de Laat presents a new textile series that bridges art history, advanced knitting technology, and material research. Developed in collaboration with Sordile and debuting at Maison & Objet 2026, the collection explores how painterly language can be translated into contemporary seamless knit structures.

The work draws inspiration from 17th-century Dutch female painters, whose sensitivity to colour, surface, and material depth resonates strongly with the studio’s approach to textile development. While the Dutch Golden Age is widely celebrated, women artists from this period have only gained increased visibility in recent years, following extensive research and curatorial reframing by institutions such as the Rijksmuseum.

The primary artistic reference for the collection is Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750), widely regarded as one of the most accomplished still-life painters of her time. Her layered compositions, tonal nuance, and attention to surface detail formed the starting point for the textile development.

Working with circular and seamless knitting technologies, Studio Eva de Laat translated painterly complexity into knit. Paintings containing hundreds of colour variations were reduced to a six-colour palette through a custom AI-assisted colour analysis tool, developed by the studio. High-resolution details were analysed pixel by pixel to distil colour relationships into a workable yarn system.

These colours were then expressed through machine setup, stitch programming, and material experimentation: combining digital tooling with hands-on craft. The resulting textiles are soft yet sculptural, with layered surfaces that echo floral compositions, shadow, and depth.

The collection includes seating pillows, cushions, and a carpet or wall-hanging. The seating pillow forms part of Fondo Letto in Metamorfosi, a sculptural bench designed by Sven Wenting, where form, comfort, and material narrative intersect.

Through this project, Studio Eva de Laat continues to explore how advanced knitting technology can support human-centred design, material longevity, and cultural storytelling; connecting historical reference with contemporary textile innovation.

www.evadelaat.nl

www.materialliance.com

www.sordile.com