11.12.2015

Product Introspection: Hollow Fiber

We are constantly rethinking the inherent functionality and textures of natural materials, and invest significant efforts into pushing the boundaries for how these materials can be used. There is, however, a certain uniqueness to synthetic fibers as well. Gore-Tex, with its long-lasting waterproofing and insulation properties, is a synthetic material I am particularly fond of; I've been incorporating it into my designs ever since I first started my apparel collection. Of course, as a synthetic coating, Gore-Tex is most compatible with other highly stable, synthetic materials. With this in mind, we collaborated with a fabric maker based in Ishikawa, Japan to develop a 100% synthetic fabric for one of our new coats that mimicked the look and texture of a natural textile. We called this resulting fabric 'hollow fiber' fabric. As the name suggests, this fabric is composed of hollowed out, tubular fibers, and is laminated with Gore-Tex. Even in a 3-layer construction, it maintains exceptional comfort and lightness.
In order to mitigate against future deterioration, we decided to undergo the painstakingly difficult process of lining an entire coat with vegetable-tanned sheepskin. The removable sleeve detail was inspired by an old flight jacket I found during my travels.
The main material for this coat is also made from 'hollow fiber' fabric, and despite being lined in sheepskin, is surprisingly light and comfortable. The nylon fabric has a natural handfeel and still retains its water-repellant qualities.

*Hollow Fiber
This material is made from yarns with hollow fibers. Hollowing out the fibers reduces the weight of the yarn by approximately 40%. Using fabric made from hollowed fibers eliminates the need for a stiff, bulky silhouette typically characteristic of heavy outerwear. The garment is shaped through an additional processing technique, resulting in a lightweight, cotton-like piece that is actually 100% synthetic nylon.
Visvim

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