Textiles are an integral part of our daily lives, and designing them is still a typically female métier. In this illustrated publication, Stephanie Kahnau presents 40 female textile designers of the 20th and 21st centuries and their outstanding and individual approaches to their medium. The stances presented grant access to the concept, technique, and function of textiles from different positions. For textile practices can take many forms: from a single “line”—the thread—structures ranging from flat to expansive emerge. Not only do they embrace our bodies, protect and clothe them; our bodies also embrace them: we become absorbed in their structured spaces and immerse ourselves in their visual appearance. This publication presents multiple perspectives on this fascinating medium at the interface between functionality and aesthetics.

With contributions by Sabine Flaschberger, Silke Geppert, Christina Leitner, and Catrin Lorch.

Text in English and German.