Weaving Conservation

Gone with the Dodo

Sofia Ortmann, a textile designer and environmental advocate, bridges traditional craftsmanship with ecological innovation. Her background in woven textiles enables her to create pieces that harmonise human creativity with nature’s patterns. Ortmann’s latest collection, ‘Gone with the Dodo’, showcases her textile design expertise while emphasising her commitment to conservation. This work earned her the prestigious LVMH Maison Green Award, recognising her contribution to nature-inspired design in the textile industry.

‘Gone with the Dodo’ explores the intersection of wellness, material innovation, and environmental stewardship. Ortmann drew inspiration from the dodo, a flightless bird driven to extinction in the late 17th century due to human activity. Using this as a poignant reminder of biodiversity loss, she crafted a series of textiles for home accessories with animal-inspired designs from recycled wool and hemp.

Ortmann’s approach demonstrates her dedication to sustainable textile production. She employs a circular design methodology and adheres to zero-waste principles throughout her process. Using felting techniques, she creates durable, biodegradable structures from recycled fibres. Natural dyeing methods and plant-based pigments colour her textiles. In an innovative approach to reducing waste, Ortmann developed a reweaving technique that transforms scrap textile offcuts from the Alex Begg Textile Mill into new, high-textured pieces.

The homeware collection is designed to be highly tactile, inviting physical interaction. Ortmann’s work draws on the concept that engaging with textured, natural materials can have therapeutic benefits. These soft furnishings evoke plush childhood toys, fostering a sense of comfort and nostalgia. By encouraging tactile engagement, these pieces aim to promote relaxation and deepen the connection between individuals and their surroundings.

Through ‘Gone with the Dodo’, Ortmann illustrates how designers can contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Her work serves as an example of repurposing waste materials into high-quality, desirable products. By combining traditional textile techniques with innovative methods, this collection points towards potential new directions of the field. 

‘Gone with the Dodo’ not only showcases creativity but also demonstrates how thoughtful design can support environmental conservation. It encourages both designers and consumers to consider their role in building a more sustainable future for the textile industry.

This collection has reinforced our belief in design’s potential to significantly impact environmental protection. It has inspired us to push our sustainability efforts further, explore new sensory dimensions in our products, and strengthen the connection between our customers and the natural world.