BRAMEL, Sophie and Patricia POIRE (2012). Mode & Tissus/ High-Tech Fabrics & Fashion, Paris: Editions Falbalas. ISBN 978-2918579137, paperback, some illustrations, short bibliography and glossary, 288 pp. Price: €29.
This book is a multi-disciplinary guide to modern textiles. It is written, in collaboration, by a textile designer and a journalist, and is in both French and English. It opens with a good overview of developments within sportswear in the last few decades, in terms of textiles made for increased elasticity, injury reduction and enhanced endurance. The next chapter looks at new innovations in clothing for everyday wear. Nano technology is now being deployed to make clothing less stain-proof while antimicrobial textiles fight dangerous bacteria. There are further chapters on new eco-friendly fabrics and fibres and on the future of ‘smart’ textiles (e.g., baby clothing that can monitor temperature and over exposure to the sun).
Recommendation: This book is written in very accessible and easy-to-understand language. It is useful in explaining some of the new directions in textiles, and some of the science behind more cutting-edge innovations in textile design. A timeline with key dates in the history of modern textiles is included. This book will appeal to students and designers with an interest in innovative textiles, and in particular to people interested in the history of sportswear.
Shelley Anderson, November 2017
