Nanette de Kool

Nanette de Kool is a Dutch textile designer celebrated for her innovative use of circular 3D knits and her commitment to sustainable design. Her work highlights the beauty in imperfections, using leftover textiles and yarns, often including production flaws, to craft intricate and textured compositions.

Education and Early Career

Nanette's journey began at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, where she studied fashion and textile design. Her formal education in the U.S. laid a solid foundation for her understanding of materials and the creative processes in design. After graduating, she gained extensive experience in the fashion industry as a designer and stylist, launching her own fashion label in Antwerp, Belgium. This early career helped shape her approach to textiles, focusing on innovative and thoughtful design.

Upon returning to the Netherlands, Nanette joined ByBorre, a Dutch textile innovation company. At ByBorre, she discovered her passion for 3D knitting and sustainability, pushing her towards the circular design philosophy she adopts today. Her experience with 3D knits redefined her relationship with textiles, leading her to experiment with creating depth, texture, and character using what would otherwise be discarded materials.

Artistic Philosophy and Technique

Nanette de Kool's design philosophy revolves around circular design and embracing the beauty of imperfections. She works primarily with leftover textiles and recycled yarns, transforming them into intricate pieces that emphasize the tactile qualities of the materials. She applies various techniques such as screen printing, washing, cutting, and reassembling textiles, creating new compositions that are full of depth and visual interest. The imperfections—raw edges, knitting flaws, and unique ink patterns—are integral to her designs, giving each piece its own unique character and story.

Nanette’s work extends beyond traditional wall hangings; she also creates suspended screens, room dividers, and custom pieces for interior spaces. These pieces interact with light and shadow in a way that adds further dimensionality to her textiles, incorporating elements of space and movement into the design. Her work is not just visual; it is also highly tactile, inviting viewers and users to engage with the textures and layers.

Education

• Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago