ATW80F and Panasonic Unveil Groundbreaking
Fabric Installations at CES 2024
Las Vegas, Jan 9-12, 2024
In close collaboration with Panasonic, ATW80Fabrics utilized its extensive maker network to coordinate the production of several hundred yards of stunning fabrics, which will be intricately woven throughout the Panasonic CES 2024 exhibit space.
Two large-scale fabric installations were featured. The first was a breathtaking reception curtain from traditional 100% hemp kaya fabric by Kikuya Hemp, and hand-dyed in 12 shades of indigo by the renowned Watanabe Studios of Tokushima, Japan. Spread across 25 separate panels, this 20ft x 30ft masterpiece boasted a stunning gradation of beautiful, luminous blues. Notably, Watanabe Studios grows all its indigo from seed. A deep commitment to the Earth - only borrowing from it - is respectfully integrated into each step of the laborious dyeing process.
Complementing the hemp kaya curtain, ATW80F was involved in conceiving and coordinating a second fabric installation. Fusing the deeply respected indigo dyeing practices of Watanabe Studio with a revolutionary non-petroleum material called Brewed Protein™ from state-of-the-art biofabricators, Spiber Inc., created a breathtaking 20 ft x 15ft curtain. This exciting collaboration, dynamically fusing heritage and innovation, is a striking example of the possibilities and way forward in a fossil fuel-free material revolution combining the genius of the past with the innovation of synthetic biology and microbial advancements.
“We are truly honored to collaborate with amazing industry players who share our commitment to responsible initiatives aimed at shaping a better future. It is exciting to present and have many people learn about Brewed Protein™ fabrics that are beautifully and thoughtfully dyed by Watanabe Studio.”
-Ayana Nakajima of Spiber Inc
Adding to the richness of these two exhibits was heritage cotton fabrics from Khadi Oaxaca in Oaxaca,Mexico. Grown by small-scale farmers, the cottons of Khadi Oaxaca symbolize the possibility of cultivating a harmonious relationship between living ecosystems and human craftsmanship. These cottons were not only visually stunning but also represent a 100% traceable and ethical approach to fabric production. Every inch of these fabrics were made from heritage cotton grown in the Costa Chica region, hand spun in the San Sebastian de Rio Hondo region, then handwoven by Angel Ramirez Martinez.
“Having an opportunity to show our fabrics with Panasonic at CES is priceless. The global awareness they can bring to our fabrics and purpose is incredibly important to small-scale artisan makers like ourselves. Working with Jamie House to document the entire fabric-making process with photos and videos, gave us a fresh perspective and new visuals to tell our own story.”
-Margaret MacSems, Khadi Oaxaca.
