Biblioteca de Materiales
The Materials Library is a space where research meets creation, bringing together materials, fibers, finishes, and technologies that reflect new ways of designing and producing. Through industrial developments, biomaterials, artisanal processes, reclaimed materials, and emerging solutions, it inspires innovation, promotes more conscious decision-making, and demonstrates how the diversity of matter expands the possibilities for design, fashion, and other industries.
LIST OF MATERIALS
BIOFILIA MATERIAL
Biofilia Material es un laboratorio de investigación-creación de la Facultad de Diseño de la Universidad de Medellín que transforma abundancias biológicas de América Latina en nuevas materialidades capaces de contar historias de territorio, identidad y cultura a través del diseño. Actualmente integra una colección de más de 120 biomateriales, desarrollados a partir de fuentes vegetales y residuos agroindustriales, y aplicados a la moda, el diseño de interiores, la museografía y el diseño de producto.
En esta ocasión se presentan algunos materiales y prendas resultado de este ejercicio de investigación, algunos desarrollados en colaboración con la Facultad de Creación de la Universidad del Rosario y otros con la empresa Proquinal SAS.
TEJIDOS REBANCÁ
Tejidos Rebancá is an artisanal fashion studio based in Iza, Boyacá, Colombia, dedicated to exploring Colombian natural fibers and the meticulous craftsmanship of ancestral textile techniques, including hand spinning, horizontal loom weaving, wet felting, and hand embroidery. Through the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces rich in the colors and textures of Colombia’s diverse ecosystems, the studio seeks to capture the beauty of the landscape while preserving and sharing the stories, identity, and cultural heritage of the Boyacá region.
THE SAKE PROJECT
The Sake Project develops next-generation materials inspired by the biodiversity of the Amazon. Through research, design, and circular economy principles, it transforms existing resources into innovative materials for the creative industries, seamlessly combining nature, innovation, and purpose.
SEMPERTEX BIOMATERIALS (COLOMBIA)
Sempertex Biomaterials is a biotextile developed from natural latex that combines technology, design, and environmental responsibility. Its innovative formulation creates a flexible, durable, and versatile material suitable for a wide range of applications in fashion, leather goods, footwear, interior design, and surface design.
SOMOS MHUYSCAS
Somos Mhuyscas is a weaving collective dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting the stories, knowledge, and traditions of the Muisca people through the art of weaving. Rooted in a family- and community-based approach, the collective transforms this ancestral practice into a contemporary language that expresses its cultural identity while sharing the Muisca legacy with audiences around the world.
MAZ - MANUELA ALVAREZ
The textile samples on display are the result of the Artisanal Textile Laboratory, developed in collaboration with a diverse group of artisans under the creative direction of MAZ Manuela Álvarez as part of the research process leading to the Oh My Heart collection.
The laboratory gave rise to a series of textile innovations and explorations featuring thermoformed leather, woven leather, knitwear, hand knitting, horizontal loom weaving, macramé, snake cord weaving, waterless printing on leather, linen printing, iraca palm weaving, cumare fiber weaving, and nuno felting, among other techniques.
Each sample reflects a process of experimentation in which traditional craftsmanship meets the brand’s contemporary vision, resulting in new surfaces, textures, and material possibilities.
UNIVERSIDAD DE GUADALAJARA
TWBIOTEXTIL - BIOMATERIAL DE AGAVE
Bio-based material developed from agave leaf waste generated during tequila production. Through a process of dehydration, milling, and fiber transformation into a fine powder, this agricultural by-product is converted into a natural, biodegradable, and versatile material with applications in fashion and design.
COMPOSITION
Natural polymers and fibers derived from agave leaves.
APPLICATIONS
Fashion, accessories (vests and bow ties), leather goods (handbags), paper made from agave fibers, and design products.
36 MATERIAL DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE MATERIAL CONNEXION LIBRARY – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EAFIT UNIVERSITY
For more than 25 years, Material ConneXion has been recognized as a world-leading materials library and consultancy for designers and product development teams. Renowned for its innovation and thought leadership, the organization collaborates with leading brands across multiple industries, helping them identify more sustainable material alternatives and drive product innovation through solutions that enhance performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Headquartered in the United States, the Material ConneXion library features an internationally curated collection with strong representation from Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany, alongside significant contributions from Canada, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Australia, Israel, and several countries across Asia and Europe. Together, these materials form a global platform that brings together innovation, craftsmanship, and technological advancement from around the world.
FABRICATO
RECICLAJE TEXTIL A TEXTIL DESDE PRENDAS ALGODÓN
Fabricato is a Colombian company with more than 100 years of experience, recognized as a leader in the manufacturing and commercialization of high-quality textiles. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Fabricato delivers textile solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global market.
Library gallery
Would you like to showcase your research, developments, and proposals at the Colombiamoda 2026 MATERIALS LIBRARY?
We’d love to hear from you — reach out to us at [email protected]
