Kapwani Kiwanga’s latest installation at Kvadrat’s Milan showroom is a vibrant exploration of sustainability and innovation. Running from April 8th to 13th, 2025, during Milan Design Week, the exhibition introduces Diade, a groundbreaking textile crafted entirely from ocean-bound plastic waste. The textile, a result of Kiwanga’s first foray into textile design, plays with iridescence found in nature, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues of tropical bird feathers. The fabric’s dual-toned, prismatic design is a technical marvel, featuring 16 unique color combinations created through a deconstructed twill weave.
The installation transforms the showroom into a dynamic landscape of light and color. Large panels, wrapped in Diade, feature cut-outs and colored window film, creating an interplay of visibility and transparency that reflects Kiwanga’s ongoing exploration of filters and screens. Inside, sculptural furnishings, including low tables with fabric-wrapped legs, showcase the fabric’s versatility and optical effects, with spiraling thread compositions casting playful shadows across the floor. Through Diade, Kiwanga not only redefines the use of waste materials but also envisions a future where resourcefulness and renewal are woven into everyday design.
Photography by MATTEO GIROLA, courtesy of KVADRAT