Raphael Caric

The Viennese artistry of hand-weaving cane called ‘Wiener Geflecht’
was developed for chairs in the mid 19th century and quickly became
an Austrian design tradition. The strong aesthetics of the technique have
inspired Raphael Caric to apply it to fashion, simultaneously exploring
the idea of the traditional weaving and braiding processes today.
Raphael’s interest in the so-called multiaxial weaving of the ‘Wiener
Geflecht’ lies in its timeless beauty, as well as in the possibilities that
this technique opens up. Working with looms this way, ‘instead of just
the warp and weft you suddenly have two more diagonal directions. These
can increase the fabric’s strength and even its 3D shape to a level where
tailored seams would not be needed anymore’. Seeing the potential of
a traditional technique in light of modern times, Raphael is able to squeeze
as much innovation from it as possible, creating garments that reflect
both the past and the future.
In Raphael’s work, design often follows function, and his attention to
the way clothes are made is impeccable. Making his roots apparent through
his aesthetic inspirations but mirroring the global whole picture, Raphael
borrows from many places to make one coherent and nuanced whole.


www.raphaelcaric.com