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Project

Pascale Theron

Department: Man and Well being
Website: pascaletheron.com

FEATHERED FABRICS

WHAT
Woven fabrics made from ostrich feathers that reveal the beauty of this natural material. Reviving the appeal of these feathers would also provide a much-needed boost to Oudsthoorn, South Africa, which is reliant on this once-thriving industry.

WHY
In the 19th century, ostrich feathers were highly prized, adorning the flamboyant hats of many a Victorian lady. Since then, the feather has gone out of fashion, appearing mostly in tacky carnival costumes or feather dusters.

WOW
The birds are currently farmed for their meat and are slaughtered after only one year. Keeping ostriches for their feathers would mean that they could live up to 35–40 years, providing feathers every six months. Collecting the feathers causes no pain to the bird.

QUOTE
Ostrich feathers are soft, warm and incredibly light.

Copyright Design Academy Eindhoven

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Copyright: Design Academy Eindhoven
Photographs: Femke Rijerman