Ever since I first heard about the whiSpiral, I've been fascinated by the work of forward-thinking textile designer Elena Corchero (pictured). For almost a year, we've been trying to connect and finally we were able to chat by phone earlier this week. She's currently based in London, studying at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and advancing her latest project, Lost Values.
Lauren Cerand for Lux Lotus: How did you become interested in blending technology and textile design?
Elena Corchero: I’ve been working in fashion design for years but it got to a point where I realized there was more to it. Actually, I read an article a long time ago in National Geographic, called “Dreamweavers.” I always liked technology but that made me realize there are a lot of things that aren’t done that could be done.
LC: What inspired your latest project, Lost Values?
EC: The one I’m working on now is about looking at endangered species and the many global/ environmental issues we are alarmed about, but I had to narrow it down for the project to see how technology could be used more in our everyday life so I am focusing on solar cells.
A few other designers have tried things here and there, but people haven’t found them attractive. With this project, I’m challenging the aesthetics to make them more appealing.
LC: What's your creative process like?
EC: In the context of my work, inspiration could come from two places: doing research and finding an interesting technology that inspires a project, and second, looking at the future and imagining how to make things better. The second way is more about ideas, and has more meaning because you can always find the technology to do it. When I’m involved in a project that has a strong underlying meaning, it’s more meaningful to me on a personal level.
LC: Are you influenced by art, films, books or science or computers or something else?
EC: Definitely science, science fiction movies -– Code 46; it’s not related to my work but I really like it. It’s more talking about biology and viruses. Science fiction is very interesting for anyone working in technology. Other designers too, as I think people can be very inspiring, like Hussein Chalayan and his summer collection, especially. Knowing there is someone in fashion who is taking chances in that way gives people hope and energy to do more experimental things. The problem is that technology is not fashionable; people don’t want to wear the fashion or get close to it. So, he’s really standing out. In terms of books, right now I’m reading The Master and Margarita – I’ve always wanted to read it and I’m really enjoying it. I recommend it very much.
LC: Did growing up in the Canary Islands impact your work in any tangible way?
EC: I remember I had a lot of projects that had to do with the sea, but I didn’t realize it. Someone pointed it out to me in an interview for college! I definitely identify with this feeling of being on your own, floating, in the sea. My color palettes sometimes create issues here in London, because I use brighter colors like we might in Spain or the Canary Islands, I think I need them to survive but sometimes people here think they are too much. The light, the sun, also, I think that influences my design as well.
LC: What do you like or not like about living and working in London?
EC: The amazing cultural offerings are the best thing about London, every day you are missing so many things – it can be frustrating because you have to choose. It’s very vibrant. It’s very multicultural. I know very few English people; most people I know are from everywhere else. I love the fresh ideas, meeting up with friends in a bar and talking about ideas, it’s very creative that way. Coming from a warm island, London is more grey, it’s a stressful city where people just walk down the street thinking about their own things so there’s not as much human contact. The course I’m doing is two years and it can be heavy and of course the challenge is always trying to maintain your vision when other people have their own ideas. You might have an idea that you really believe in and think it might be possible to build it but you have to prove it.
LC: And finally, many Lux Lotus readers are creative professionals. Any parting advice?
EC: Research is very important whenever you are doing a project but to believe in what you’re doing is the most important thing to keep in mind. I know that sounds typical but it’s true. The hardest thing is to remember what you wanted to do –- that’s my challenge right now.
Comments