Herding Wool
To explore the full potential of wool felting, Swiss designers Alix Arto and Emma Casella have partnered together with Chinese designer Yihan Zhang from Róng Design Library. Examining the anthropological significance of wool, the project celebrates felting as a bridge between tradition and innovation while blending local cultures with international techniques and regional materials. Collaborating with shepherds, wool processors and craftspeople, the project also addresses the undervaluation of diverse wool breeds through a felt database, while highlighting the material’s sustainable qualities. Drawing on their collective expertise, the three designers share a commitment to meaningful and sustainable practices. The outcome of these collaborations is a book that summarizes the meetings and exchanges throughout this journey.
Credits / Rong Design Library
Biography
After studying at ECAL at different times, the designers share a deep interest in bridging cultural and material narratives within the design world. Connecting in 2023 through Pro Helvetia’s Emerging Talents exhibition in Milan and the Róng Design Library X Pro Helvetia Residency Program in China, they have since drawn on their collective expertise for this project.
Herding Wool is also exhibiting at Róng Mini Library (via Giovanni Battista Pirelli 24, Milano) from 7. to 13. April.