Our travels have always been a source of inspiration for our collections, and Spring ‘18 is no different. This season we take a closer look at a few traditional techniques and materials we’ve become fond of over the years, including fabric yarns made from paper.
Whether it be the Washi of Japan, Hanji of Korea, or Abaca of the Phillippines, paper has played a crucial role in the rise of many civilizations. Though it mainly served to spread information through the written word, these cultures also found alternative uses for paper, turning it into tea bags, ropes, money, and more—thanks to the long, durable fibers of paper plants. Paper has also been tested as yarns in clothing for some time now, but it wasn’t until recently that the production of paper yarns reached a level of efficiency that made it commercially viable.
Aside from being incredibly strong, yarns made from paper are antibacterial, sweat-wicking and deodorizing, making it perfect for spring knitwear, when the weather can fluctuate from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons. After finding a supplier of Abaca paper yarns with the softer hand-feel we were looking for, we decided to create a few pieces from it—including the Spring ‘18 Lim Studio Cardigan, Wade Long Sleeve Sweater and Pacho Short Sleeve Sweater. With the breathability of linen, natural benefits of wool, and sustainability of bamboo, it’s hard to imagine a material that melds functionality with refinement more seamlessly than Abaca paper.■
