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
What if healing could be felt – and smelled? This project begins with scent: luxurious fabrics infused with natural aromas, soaked in dissolved shea butter and essential oils to create a deeply soothing, sensory experience. In a world caught between ancient wisdom and modern science, the work asks: what is the path to well-being in the 21st century? Should we return to nature and tradition, or embrace the precision of technology and medicine? This collection proposes a balance – a contemporary textile experience that bridges both realms.
Using the TC2 digital Jacquard loom and inspired by microscopic images of chemical healing processes, the designs explore organic, fluid patterns. Crafted from the finest British and Italian wool and silk, the collection includes kimonos, bathrobes, towels, and blankets – luxurious, sustainable, and made for moments of calm. These are textiles not only to touch and wear, but to inhale, inviting the body and senses into a new kind of restorative ritual.
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.
Automotive Colour, Material & Finish Exploration
This project showcases a collection of automotive textile samples developed with premium Scottish leather, Ultrafabrics, and custom woven fabrics. I applied advanced automotive textile technologies including digital embroidery, CNC perforation, laser cutting, and laser etching to explore both aesthetic and functional possibilities. My approach combines proficiency in these tools with an ability to translate trend research into materials that meet automotive standards for durability, comfort, and performance. The result is a set of refined, sensory-rich surfaces designed to elevate the tactile and visual experience of vehicle interiors.
Marine Wellness
Marine Wellness reimagines yacht textiles beyond the repetition of the technical industry, blending performance with sensory luxury. Inspired by the calm strength of the sea, the project explores natural yarns such as linen, hemp, and seaweed-derived fibers, enhanced with subtle coatings for UV protection and water resistance. The result is a collection that balances nature and innovation – tactile, breathable, and resilient – evoking the serenity of marine life while meeting the demands of contemporary yacht environments.
