A palimpsest is an old document on which the original text has been erased and replaced with new writing. The etymology of this word comes indeed from the Ancient Greek term "palímpsestos", literally meaning "scratched" or "scraped again". The term may also refer in a more metaphorical way to the act of layering stories, voices and traces, and therefore to the process of "spinning a yarn" or several yarns together.
Keung Mei Yee, a student from the Institute of Textiles and Clothing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, moved from this fascinating concept in his graduate collection.
Entitled "Our Palimpsest Soul", the menswear collection was a way to ponder about juxtaposing and layering old and new stories.
Two designs from Keung Mei Yee's collection were part of the Feel the Yarn 2014 competition. The young designer employed yarns by Ilaria to create jacquard patterns recalling the idea of fading letters, eroded parchments and stained materials coming up with two designs characterised by hybrid textures, padded elements, and blurred patches.
What fascinated you about palimpsests while researching for your graduate collection?
Keung Mei Yee: In the old days people would write on very expensive materials such as parchments and had to wash away words and recycle the materials when they needed to write a new text. I was totally fascinated with this idea of mixing old and new words and verses together, of making something appear and disappear, while leaving marks and stains. I felt random blurred patterns, burnt patches and damaged parts of parchments incredibly inspiring.
What kind of yarns did you use?
Keung Mei Yee: Mohair and space-dyed yarns: the former can create blurred effects, while the latter offer very beautiful change of colours from space to space, so they were ideal to create reiterated motifs and effects on my tops. I also employed some lurex yarns for delicate shiny details.
How was it working with Ilaria as a yarn sponsor?
Keung Mei Yee: It was a surprising collaboration as they have marvellous yarns in wonderful shades. I worked with yarn sponsors in China, but they don't have these colour combinations. The most inspiring thing about European and in particular Italian yarns is the amazing palettes the various mills offer and their clever combinations of shades.
Did you enjoy this experience and what plans do you have for the immediate future?
Keung Mei Yee: I was honoured to present my work at Feel the Yarn and take part in this event. After graduating I was contacted by a few companies, so for the time being the immediate plan is to go and work for a knitting manufacturer in Hong Kong.
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