School of Design Textile Design
Zofia Szewczyk
A weaver and textile designer drawn to the alchemy of materials and the poetry of process. Rooted in the ancient craft of weaving, my work explores the intersection of nature, science, and innovation—often inspired by microscopic imagery of flora, fauna, and living systems. I work primarily with natural yarns like wool and silk, crafting luxurious, wellness-focused textiles that are as sensorial as they are sustainable. My practice blends tactile tradition with research into modern production and coating techniques like natural scent infusion, always seeking to translate the quiet intelligence of nature into fabrics for everyday life.
Woven Alchemy
I would like to pose a research question and invite reflection: In the 21st century, what is the right path to healing and well-being? Should we turn back to tradition and nature, through natural remedies and ancient rituals, or embrace modern advancements in technology and medicine? What role can textiles play in this journey?
My project aims to create a healing experience that bridges both approaches. It combines modern innovation — using the TC2 digital Jacquard loom and contemporary finishing processes such as cosmetic and scent applications — with the highest quality traditional materials, including wool and silk. Inspired by microscopic images of chemical processes used in the healing industry, the designs explore organic textures and patterns.
The outcome is a collection of luxury fabrics for well-being, including kimonos, bathrobes, towels, and blankets, designed for the 21st-century individual seeking luxury and moments of calm. The project uses the finest British and Italian wool and silk, embodying responsible design with a focus on sustainability, luxury, and sensory engagement.
Aerial Calm: Reclaiming Nature in Transit
In response to a future-facing brief centered on transportation, Aerial Calm is a speculative textile design collection that reimagines in-flight comfort through the lens of climate awareness and natural resilience. Prompted by the environmental crises of Summer 2024—ranging from wildfires in Greece to hazardous air quality in New York—the project asks: In an increasingly globalized and ecologically volatile world, how might we engage with nature as a source of healing rather than harm?
The resulting collection of airline complementary items—including eye masks, blankets, and cushions—merges sensorial design with sustainable thinking. Each piece draws inspiration from the microscopic textures of calming herbs and is infused with natural herbal tea extracts, creating a multisensory experience that soothes the traveler mid-journey. Designed for a geographically interconnected future, the collection aims to harness nature’s therapeutic qualities, offering moments of grounded serenity in the sky.
