ANTHROPOLOGIST Chloë Colchester’s survey of the world’s textiles is about so much more than clothes. She reviews the latest technology in woven materials, such as embroidered surgical implants and vests that monitor the wearer’s health, and looks ahead to fabric robots and invisibility suits. There’s also a strong emphasis on the role of textiles in a more sustainable future, from recycled plastic bags to inflatable dwellings. Tradition and modernity lie side by side throughout the book, with ethnic designs colourfully showcased alongside patterns inspired by biochemistry, fluid dynamics and even space travel. The words can be clunky, but the ideas and images are inspiring.…
