The Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Textiles - Knit / Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Textile Innovation/Textile Art
My location: Munich, Germany
First Name: Miriam
Last Name: Scheller
University / College: The Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås
Course / Program: Fashion and Textile Design MA
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Textiles - Knit / Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Textile Innovation/Textile Art
My Location: Munich, Germany
W.I.Y.S.S?- What is your second skin? explores biracial identity and the dissonance between identity and perceived identity. Using the Nigerian practice of bodypainting, called ULI body and symbol merge, becoming one, interchangeable, and influencing each other. This dialogue was used to develop patterns, knitted structures, and materials. W.I.Y.S.S? is made with overspunnen woollen yarns made from 100% wool, offering a regenerative alternative to fossil fuel-based elastics. The work focuses on a reactionary design and explores the author’s Igbo heritage through the use of colour, rituals, and patterns, creating dynamic knitted tubes. The high elasticity of the overspunnen wollen yarn and the structure of the thread enable different transparency levels and allow the patterns to change and adapt to the wearer. This ability to distort and abstract the human form represents the nonverbal, additional layer of being by which others judge us.