Inflaxuation

There are many qualities that make flax an attractive source to be used for textiles. It does not need irrigation systems to support growth and it can thrive simply on rainwater. Due to the natural antibacterial properties of the plant, almost no pesticides are needed for the crop to grow. The fibres have high tensile strength and are extremely durable. 

Flax was a once-thriving industry in Ireland but has almost completely disappeared. Currently, flax accounts for only 1% of the global fibre market share. Inflaxuation seeks to challenge the perception of how we utilise flax in the fashion and textile industry.

This research begins at a farm in Ireland called Mallon Linen, which is reintroducing flax into their land located in County Tyrone. They use regenerative agricultural practices to grow flax, using a crop rotation. The entire process supports the regeneration of soil which contributes to combating climate change and supports a biodiverse planet.

Inflaxuation investigates how we can create more value for flax by creating a wider range of textiles using only the materials sourced from the crop rotation that Mallon Linen has implemented. This textile collection consists of flax leather, flax fur, flax lace, starch buttons and fertiliser sequins.