Raffia Black Pepper

We were able to gain invaluable experience with the designs for FONDO, where we experimented with grasses, and SETA, where raw silk was interwoven. The ideas only bubbled over, so that the PEPPER collection grew steadily. We experimented with other materials, for example with bast yarns made of sisal. From this we created RAFFIA.

Sisal is a natural fibre obtained from the leaves of the agave. This originally comes from Central America, where its cultivation was perfected. Spaniards and Portuguese brought the agave to Europe, where it was initially used as an ornamental plant, until the textile industry became aware of them in the 19th century. With their high tensile strength and easy dyeability, the yarns obtained from sisal turned out to be ideal for coarse fabrics that had to withstand greater loads. But the carpet industry also discovered it. This natural product is dirt-repellent, offers good thermal insulation and cannot charge statically.

Appealing patterns

The bast yarns can be easily linked together flat and without a loom or weaving frame. Our designers used this to create surfaces that were divided into appealing diamond patterns and rotated against each other. The surfaces are also metallically coloured, which is still emphasised by foam and gloss structures after 3D printing. 8 spicy tones compete in RAFFIA, such as the fiery Curcuma or the gently warming Curry.

Originality and old values