From Concept to Creation: Bárbara Atanásio's Perspective

My journey with RDD Textiles has been an enriching experience. From the moment I won the ModaLisboa x RDD Textiles Award during the Sangue Novo competition, it felt like I had unlocked a new chapter in my creative process. Working with RDD Textiles gave me access to a world of innovation in textiles that I had always dreamed of exploring. A world much closer to the industry.

Moving to Barcelos to work with RDD Textiles was a significant step in my journey. It was more than just a professional opportunity; it was a chance to immerse myself in a new environment and meet incredible people who share the same passion for textiles and innovation. Being in Barcelos allowed me to fully dive into the experience, exchanging ideas, learning from others, and growing both personally and professionally.

The process of collaborating with RDD Textiles was both challenging and deeply inspiring. Their expertise, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability pushed me to rethink my approach to materials and design. I was always the one thinking about materials in a woven fabric headspace and now it was all about knit! I was able to experiment with new knits, techniques, and sustainable practices that elevated my collection in ways I hadn’t imagined before. The resources and mentorship they provided were invaluable, allowing me to transform my ideas into something tangible and well made.

The collection began, like any collection, with a concept—a story, a guiding thread to explore a new world. The “wall” became my best friend, where the entire process was displayed. The concept was inspired by the “Egrégios Avós,” the illustrious ancestors, now embodying a new generation—a generation of rebellious grandparents, a clash of generations with different characteristics, influences, and references. This concept led to the development of the pieces, using family photos as a visual reference. Trend-driven pieces had to be included, along with concept-inspired ones—a blend of both.

The first step was undoubtedly getting to know, select, and choose the final knits. From a room with endless possibilities emerged a selection with a sustainable and modern vision. Other materials also turned into opportunities; discarded threads were repurposed into new knits, and leftover rolls became yarn, with a constant focus on repurposing.

Moving into pattern making, a world of fitting possibilities opened up, though time was limited, and quick decisions were necessary. Through references and feelings, the pieces were created with attention to detail and finishing touches. The production phase was very exciting—watching the pieces take shape made everything feel more tangible.

In collaboration with Atb, we developed prints to be applied to 100% cotton denim, allowing the integration of knitwear with woven fabrics. These pieces were later crafted at home, in the bedroom and by the hands of the designer.

The pieces came to life thorugh Test Bed 4 Advanced Materials, with more sustainable dyeing processes that mimic pollutive fade-outs. The plant-based dyeing method follows a similar aesthetic but uses far less water, making it a more eco-friendly process.

As the final show approached, I could feel the impact of this partnership on my work. It wasn’t just about showcasing garments, it was about presenting a story of how you can shape the fabric to your own vision, to a story, a concept.

After the show, I looked back on this journey with a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The collaboration with RDD Textiles has been transformative, not just in terms of the collection I produced, but also in how I view the future of fashion. Working with them has solidified my passion for pushing boundaries and integrating sustainability into every aspect of my work.

Bárbara Atanásio