Our featured Artist Member for October is Nawal Gebreel
Nawal produces bespoke pleats that are innovative 3D fabric manipulations to produce the her label’s luxurious scarves and wraps.
Using a rich colour palette and only the most sumptuous textiles, each item is handmade, stitched and fused with a variety of fabrics to retain each pleat even after wear or wash. The abundance of technique is extraordinary as is the depth of craftsmanship. Nawal’s ability to work fabrics into art into fashion makes each item personal and unique.
My work is inspired by tactile textures, the rhythms of nature, Japanese paper-folding and shibori techniques, as well as the shapes and geometry found in Islamic architecture. I translate these
influences into scarves and other fashion accessories, reimagining architectural forms and natural rhythms as sumptuous creations in luxurious fabrics and vibrant colours.
I work at the Bluecoat, the UK’s oldest arts centre, located in the historic 18th-century Bluecoat School buildings in Liverpool city centre. Because of my teaching commitments, I also keep a machine at home, where I sometimes continue my work. The Bluecoat studio is a wonderfully reflective space—the classical architecture combined with the vibrant artistic community creates a calm yet inspiring atmosphere in which to work.
It’s always changing. Usually, my newest piece is my favourite—at least until I create the next one. The ongoing process of innovation and discovery is the most addictive part of designing.
When I was at university, I was greatly inspired by Issey Miyake and Japanese shibori artists. I’ve also drawn inspiration from the organic forms of Antoni Gaudí’s architecture and from Zaha Hadid, who trained as a mathematician before becoming an architect—her work reflects a deep love of symmetry and mathematical form. The intricate patterns and symbolic meanings within Islamic architecture have also been a continual source of inspiration
A collection of Nawal Gebreel work is available to purchase in the gallery