CALICO: WOVEN METAMORPHOSIS
- Town House, Kingston University
- 17 Apr, 2025
- 10am - 5.30pm
The Kingston School of Art’s Fashion Promotion and Communication 3rd-year students proudly present Calico: Woven Metamorphosis, an immersive exhibition that explores the profound historical and cultural significance of calico fabric. The exhibition will take place on Thursday, April 17th 2025, at Town House, Penrhyn Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EQ, from 10am to 5.30pm, with free entry to the public.
Calico, a fabric that is simultaneously raw and refined, holds a unique place in textile history. Recognised for its sustainable and eco-friendly properties, calico has played a pivotal role in global fashion and trade. This exhibition traces its evolution, from a symbol of luxury to a material of labour, shedding light on its radical transformations throughout history.
Calico: Woven Metamorphosis is structured around three key phases: Raw, Transformation, and Form. Originating in India, calico became a cornerstone of global trade, sparking economic shifts, inciting colonial conflicts, and influencing the fashion industry for centuries. Today, it continues to be an essential medium for experimentation and innovation among contemporary designers.
The exhibition will feature the work of MA Fashion students at Kingston University, who have explored the integration of calico into modern design. Through a critical lens, the exhibition examines calico’s role as an agent of change in the fashion industry, highlighting its versatility, artistry, and continued relevance in sustainable discourse.
Join for this thought-provoking journey through the evolution of calico fabric and witness how a simple material has woven its way through history to remain an enduring tool for radical creativity and innovation.