spain
Heavy Weight Shoulders Vest
A sculptural vest with exaggerated shoulder volumes made from fabric scraps. The oversized shoulders create a physical and visual sense of weight, while a hooded body element partially covers the head, evoking feelings of pressure, anxiety, and emotional restriction.
This piece was developed through a collaborative and inclusive process led by a textile artist focused on experimentation with recycled materials. A simple technique using small fabric scraps was introduced so all participants, regardless of skill level, could contribute. Participants from a day center, with different mental health conditions, worked through cutting, assembling, and stitching processes. The project prioritizes inclusion, ensuring each individual could participate at their own pace, feel valued, and engage creatively through accessible textile methods.
The exaggerated shoulders reference elements of traditional Spanish garments, such as the structured silhouettes of bullfighter costumes and historical bodices. This piece reinterprets these cultural forms in a contemporary and expressive way, transforming symbols of strength and performance into a reflection of internal emotional states.
All materials are fabric scraps and threads discarded by a fashion company, originally part of seasonal sample books. Although unused, they were considered waste by the industry and repurposed for this project. Eco-responsible Methods.
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 conversations about darkness and light, followed by experimentation with ways to join fabric scraps. A simple technique was developed: small square pieces (approximately 3×3 cm) were hand-stitched into garland-like strands. This method proved highly engaging and accessible for participants. Through moulage experiments in paper and fabric, a recurring silhouette with strong shoulder volume emerged. The final form was translated into a vest with oversized shoulders, physically emphasizing the sensation of weight when worn. Working with sewing techniques was initially challenging for some participants, but through repetition and guidance, confidence and creativity gradually improved.
Our Team
The whole is much more than the sum of it’s part. Meet our team!
Users Participating in the project
Maricarmen, David, Luis Angel, Luisa, Ana Rosa
Participant, creator, Artist
Inge Bollen
Textil artist and designer
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.
