Anari Västrik

New materials are emerging due to a demand for sustainable and plant-based alternatives. However, it creates a problem for designers who use leather decoration techniques. In my thesis I am trying to find out how to preserve these techniques on alternatives, what kind of changes need to be made in the application process and do these materials justify their usage.

I have chosen to work with materials that are new or have not yet made it to the market. To present the outcome as clear as possible I am showing the application of decoration on vegetable tanned leather from which these techniques are delivered from. To truly put the alternatives on a test I have created a set of footwear, which is the most challenging act towards material.