spain
Face dress laces
A contemporary patchwork dress made of layered tulle and experimental lace embroidery. The piece
features vibrant colors and expressive embroidered faces, combining lightness, transparency, and
emotional storytelling through textile techniques.
This piece was developed through a collaborative and inclusive process led by a textile artist focused on research and experimentation with recycled materials. The work explores new techniques using discarded fabrics and embroidery. Participants from a day center, with diverse mental health conditions, contributed through drawing, stitching, and textile manipulation. The project emphasizes inclusion, allowing each individual to participate according to their abilities, interests, and creative rhythm, fostering a sense of value, expression, and shared authorship.
The piece reinterprets traditional Spanish textile practices such as lace and embroidery in a contemporary
and experimental way. Spain has a strong heritage of handcrafted textiles, and this work transforms those
traditions into a modern, expressive, and inclusive language.
The piece is created entirely through upcycling processes. Small textile remnants were reused and
assembled into new structures, reducing waste and extending the material lifecycle. Hand-based
techniques and simple construction methods allowed for low-impact production and inclusive participation.
The process
The process began with group discussions about darkness and light, followed by free drawing exercises to unlock creativity. These drawings were later translated into embroidery. Each participant created their own portrait, which was then integrated into a collective garment. The final dress was composed using recycled tulle and fabric scraps, layered in a vibrant and expressive composition. Working with sewing techniques was initially challenging for some participants, but over time they gained confidence and creative freedom.
Our Team
The whole is much more than the sum of it’s part. Meet our team!
Users Participating in the project
Mark, Luisa, Ana, Maria, Noemi, Margarita
Participants from a day center
Inge Bollen
SUPERVISOR
I am a textile designer and artist with over 20 years of experience in fashion design, graphics, and prints.
I have decided to return to my roots in textile art, my true passion, exploring new techniques and creative approaches to grow as a creator and connect emotionally with the audience.
With the support of the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
