London

Matej Rabada

Textile dyer | Párnica, Slovakia

The secret of blueprint

Matej studied blueprint as a textile design student
He runs his workshop with his wife, Veronika
The creative duo make handprinted garments and accessories

Blueprint attracted Matej Rabada's attention as a student of textile design. He devoted his final thesis to blueprint at a time when no one in the country was working in this craft. During this period he founded his workshop, so he could revive this craft and bring his view and contemporary design. Blueprint currently represents Matej's full-time job, together with his wife Veronika. He makes and creates patterns of blueprints. Veronika designs and creates all sorts of products, such as shirts, dresses, ties, bow ties, and scarves, which are then displayed at shows or delivered to customers. It is the combination of different products that makes their workshop so unique.

Interview

When did you become interested by blueprint?: It came naturally during studies. I created my first blueprint as part of my bachelor's thesis. During my master's degree, I improved and my work drew attention from professionals and the public. This prompted me to set up my own workshop in the village of Párnica.
How does the blueprint process work?: The designer creates a special mixture according to his secret recipe. Thanks to wooden forms this mixture is applied to a white canvas. After several days the mixture has matured, the cloth is immersed in an indigo solution where it acquires its typical colour.
What is unknown about your work?: The production process itself. Because not everything that is blue and white can be called a blueprint. Blueprint is amazing for its sophistication and complex production technology. That's why it is unique for several centuries.
How do tradition and innovation combine in your work?: Tradition is represented by following the centuries-old ways of blueprint production. However, the material is patterned with the author's prints, which allows for contemporary designs. The same applies to the style of products we design and create in our workshop.

Matej Rabada is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013