To reflect textile's historical roots as a common form of currency, Hiller Dry Goods is converting modern global currencies into abstract blankets. The blankets feature designs which resemble the banknotes of nine different countries.
All the textiles are hand-woven on a Jacquard tapestry loom in Western North Carolina and sized at 52 in x 70 in. The abstruse patterns were created by Nick Miller, who zoomed in on images found on bills from around the Globe, creating an abstract yet recognizable signifier of various regions. The blankets invite users to closely examine the historical roots of their country through the innovative designs.
The collection features a 'Benjamin Blanket,' based on America's $100 bill and a 'Cowrie Blanket,' inspired from Uganda's 100 shilling banknote. A number of other countries are represented through these textiles which serve as a creative method of historical reflection. Photo Credits: designboom, hillerdrygoods
Currency-Inspired Blankets
Hiller Dry Goods' Designs Feature Abstract Images of Global Currencies
Trend Themes
1. Currency-inspired Textiles - There is an opportunity to create a line of home decor, clothing, and accessories inspired by global currencies, providing a unique design element to products.
2. Historical Reflection Design - Creating products with designs that encourage historical reflection, even in unexpected ways, can lead to new and interesting consumer markets.
3. Abstract Signifiers - Generating abstract yet recognizable designs based on real-life inspiration such as currency notes can lead to an innovative product line.
Industry Implications
1. Textile Manufacturing - Incorporating abstract designs based on recognizable images could disrupt and enhance existing textile manufacturing products such as blankets, scarves, throws, and pillows.
2. Home Decor - Creating a line of home decor items inspired by global currencies could disrupt the market by providing a fresh and unique design element to existing products such as rugs, curtains, and wallpaper.
3. Fashion Design - Integrating currency-inspired designs into fashion accessories such as purses, handbags, and scarves can offer a distinctive and original statement.