Iris Nijenhuis

Puzzling designs

• Textile experiments inspired Iris' designs
• Her pieces are crafted like puzzles, without glue or thread
• Innovative upcycling marked the start of her career

Iris Nijenhuis accidentally happened upon her own unique design path whilst experimenting with textiles at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute. Her research on textiles and new structures, and her experiments with laser cutting led her to forming a puzzle with individual pieces to build a final creation. This is the basis for her design process. Iris removed the need for a sewing machine, stitching or glue. She entered the Te[ch]x(t)iles project, part of the Couture Graphique exhibition in 2013, with her first design – a unique dress consisting of 1400 leather puzzle pieces, saved and repurposed from an old Chesterfield chair. Her design was exhibited in several museums.

Interview

©Ella Hansmann

©Ella Hansmann

What do you love most about your craft?

When it comes to wearable accessories, I like that my customers receive compliments on their piece. They are conversation starters, because people can't figure out how the piece is made and they are surprised at how lightweight they are.

What does well made mean to you?

When all aspects of the production process have been fine-tuned down to the last detail. Not only the product itself, but also the presentation, packaging, ease of use and the ability to repair and personalise. Working conditions and production processes also count.

What is little known about your work?

I am often asked how long it takes to put a design together. The manual assembly usually takes up less than 50 percent of my time. The other 50 percent goes into preparing, laser-cutting, washing, sorting, or mounting haberdashery, for example.

Do you have specific design goals for the future?

I am currently working on a series of wall objects still in the experimental phase. With this series I hope to create an opportunity to take my work in a new direction for the future.

Iris Nijenhuis is a master artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2018

Works

©Ella Hansmann

©Ella Hansmann

©Ella Hansmann

©Ella Hansmann

©Iris Nijenhuis

Where

Experiences

Fabric puzzling workshop in Amsterdam

3 Hours

80 EUR per person