Xun: A Unique Fabric Made from Rubber Rings

A New Weaving Technique for Annular Materials

Xun was inspired by Chen's childhood experiences of trying to learn how to knit sweaters from her mother. Frustrated by the complexity and specialized tools required for traditional knitting, Chen set out to develop a technique that would make the process more accessible to everyone. The result is a weaving technique that does not require professional skills or special tools, allowing even those without any weaving experience to easily create their own clothes.

What sets Xun apart is its ability to weave annular structure materials, such as rubber rings, into a fabric without causing any damage to the rings. This means that all the materials inside the fabric remain intact and can be reused. The weaving process is purely handmade, combining various non-clothing materials in a creative way to transform them into wearable designs.

One of the key advantages of Xun is its versatility. The fabric can be used to create a wide range of designs, from clothing to accessories, without limitations. It opens up new possibilities for fashion designers to explore the use of unconventional materials and push the boundaries of traditional textiles.

The Xun collection consists of one women's look, sized 4. Each piece showcases the unique properties of the fabric and highlights the potential for incorporating rubber rings into fashion design. The collection was exhibited at the Guangdong Academic Forum for Graduate Students in October 2019.

Chen's research for Xun focused on finding new possibilities in fashion design by breaking the boundaries between "clothing" and "non-clothing" materials. She believes that the exploration and application of new materials are essential for inspiring creativity in the fashion industry. Xun demonstrates that new materials can be found in everyday life, such as rubber rings, and can be transformed into works of art.

The creation of Xun was not without its challenges. Chen had to overcome the creative, technical, and research obstacles of applying non-clothing materials to textiles and finding the right combination of materials. Through her innovative weaving process, she successfully merged these materials into a fabric that retains the integrity of the annular structure.

Xun has received recognition for its ingenuity and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Textile, Fabric, Textures, Patterns, and Cloth Design category in 2021. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate outstanding technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With Xun, Bingrou Chen has revolutionized the way we think about fabric and fashion design. By utilizing a new weaving technique for annular materials, she has opened up a world of possibilities for creating unique and sustainable designs. Xun is not just a fabric; it is a symbol of innovation and creativity in the fashion industry.