I'm excited about a new project I've just started with Lumicor, the leading manufacturer of innovative resin design products. I get to design great new fabrics that might not "work" in any other setting. Because these fabrics are encapsulated between two layers of acrylic, I don't have to worry about the things I would if it were used to make a shirt, or upholstery for a chair. I don't have to worry about how well that same fabric would hold up to washing or just normal wear and tear - or if men would even buy it (if ended up being too sheer). In fact, some uses of the resin panels benefit by a fabric that is somewhat transparent!
I started my new line of fabric for Lumicor with one of my favorite techniques for shirt fabric that I call push/pull. But I was able to take it to a new level. I constructed the new fabrics with finer yarns and also "pushed and pulled" BOTH sides of the fabric. This push/pull finishing technique uses a method of sliding the horizontal weft yarns up and down exposing the warp yarns. For this project, that technique can be used on both sides of a double woven fabric, making it somewhat sheer as well.
In some cases, I also used different colors on both sides of the fabric so if used as a door or in some vertical way, both sides could be appreciated. In a shirt, that would be lost unless the shirt is made to be reversible. And even then, it would not sell very well to men because the fabric would be too sheer!
I also used a new machine invented in Japan to "tie" many different colors together into a single yarn. This allowed me to do eight colors on one side of the fabric and eight different colors on the other side.
Lighting fixtures, illuminated table tops, and siding panels, coasters - the list of what's possible with this new project goes on and on - and the Lumicor people have already asked me...what's next?
The Official Press Release
SEATTLE - (June 11, 2007) - Lumicor®, the leading manufacturer of innovative resin design products, announces the launch of the company's first designer series, the Jhane Barnes Collection™. Designed by the renowned fashion, furniture, and textile designer Jhane Barnes, this series of translucent resin panels encapsulates unique textiles created specifically for Lumicor by Jhane Barnes. The collection is Lumicor's first specialty designed product and will be launched at NeoCon® World's Trade Fair at Chicago's Merchandise Mart on June 11, 2007.
"The Jhane Barnes Collection will provide architects and designers with endless creative opportunities and we are very excited to be launching our first designer series," said Robin Staples, vice president of marketing, Lumicor. "The collection brings a unique design element to the indoor environment, making it an option for virtually any decor."
The encapsulated panels can be cut, formed, and framed for use in any horizontal or vertical application including space dividers, furniture, wall coverings, doors, lightning, fixtures, and displays. Some of the collection's designs are reversible creating a unique versatile product depending upon the side being viewed. The panels can be inserted into existing creations as an accent, or they can stand on their own as an artistic expression.
"I was very excited to collaborate with Lumicor, the mixture of translucent resin panel and my design is a creative and innovative solution for a variety of design options." said Jhane Barnes.
To suit a variety of applications, the Jhane Barnes Collection will be available in all three Lumicor high-performance resin options including Lumiform™, offering low flammability ideal for bending applications, Lumiclear™ featuring superior clarity and translucence, and Lumiguard™ ideal for high-touch horizontal surfaces.
The fabrics were created using Barnes' patented push-pull technique of weaving two layers of fabrics resulting in a variety of color undulation, streaks and sequences. Finding its roots in Barnes' technical apparel design, this pioneering technique has never been used before and is being introduced through the Jhane Barnes Collection for Lumicor to the contract market. The different color tones and patterns combined with the translucent versatility of acrylic makes the collection an artistic addition for any environment from corporate to hospitality.
The first woman to build her own designer menswear collection, Barnes has 30 years of fashion and interior design experience. Among numerous awards, Barnes is a two-time winner of the Cutty Sark Award for menswear, four-time award winner for Best of NeoCon (furniture and textile) and the youngest person and the first woman to receive the prestigious Coty American Fashion Critics' Awards (COTY). To learn more about the Jhane Barnes Collection, visit www.lumicor.com/jhanebarnes.
About Lumicor
Lumicor is a privately held design and manufacturing company located in Seattle. Its patented technology captures the beauty of natural botanicals, fine textiles, decorative papers, recycled glass, and architectural metals within high-performance translucent resins. Lumicor's architectural resin panels can be used to enhance light, color, and texture in an endless number of applications and industries. A preferred Boeing supplier, Lumicor also has more than 20 years experience manufacturing high-performance composite materials for commercial aircraft interiors. To view Lumicor's product line and for more information visit www.lumicor.com.
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