Nicole Frei is a costume designer and stage designer, graduated from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and the Zurich University of the Arts. She worked in the theatre as a costume designer for 10 years. Her design research is guided by physical practice and experimental sensory research methods, emphasizing the slow pace of handicrafts. She believes that weaving connects people and fabrics, and in this process, slow repetitive behavior is a form of resistance. Currently, Nicole is conducting sustainable fabric research and teaching interdisciplinary courses, and she also carried out related practices during her residency.

Nicole's presentation focused on the investigation and introduction of the intangible cultural heritage handicrafts of weaving in East China, which was divided into three parts: bamboo weaving, Pankou and Xiaoshan lace, and their respective applications in clothing upcycling projects.

In addition to displaying the works produced in this residency, the exhibition also displayed some raw materials and special tools used, which allowed the audience to more intuitively understand the production process of handicraft works, the uniqueness of the required skills and materials. She emphasized the stories behind the works, further narrowing the distance between handicrafts and the audience.

【Bamboo Brooch】

There are two production methods used to make these brooches, corresponding to two weaving logics: one is to weave a flat surface with a rice pattern first, and then press it into a hemispherical three-dimensional shape through a mold; the other is to directly make a three-dimensional shape along the shape and outline of the stone using hexagonal holes weaving.

【Lace Links】

The work connects fabrics of different textures by sewing Xiaoshan lace with different stitches, showing the contrast between the thickness and thinness of the fabrics. In one of the samples, the heavy denim representing the worker class is connected by delicate and expensive hollow lace. Nicole tries to discuss the class nature of fabrics.

【Collaborative Pankou】

Nicole incorporated her perspective as a teacher into the design of the Pankou. Through the workshop held in the PINWU Studio, she explored with everyone how to design a Pankou through cooperation and knowledge sharing, and then with the help of the Pankou craftwoman, the Pankou work was finally completed. The Pankou implies the exchange and connection of inspiration between people.