The exhibition 'Textiles Matter' brought four perspectives of circularity within textiles and materials to life. It was built on the technical and biological material systems outlined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. These themes looked at extending product lifespans and keeping materials in closed loops.

Regarding the technical cycle, the first theme, ‘Make and Remake’ considers how we can extend the lives of existing materials and showcase how beautiful reclaimed and remade textiles can be. The second theme, ‘Continuous’ highlights innovative approaches to closing the loop, alongside zero-waste textile regeneration and low-impact product life cycles.

Regarding the biological cycle, the third theme, ‘From Earth’ explores textile design that reconnects us to nature, and revisits traditional natural fibres and dyes. The fourth theme, ‘Engineered Nature’ reveals how nature and engineering can come together to create textiles and materials that are simultaneously smart, functional, and harmless to the planet.

To visually communicate the themes and explain their importance ahead of the exhibition, these four themes were brought to life through photographs and a communication video.