About

Hi! I'm Helga Matos, a textile designer specialised in Woven Textiles.

 

My work merges traditional weaving with contemporary techniques, exploring diverse methods to push the boundaries of textile design. With a strong focus on innovative materials, experimental processes, and conceptual development, I aim to redefine the possibilities of modern textiles. While I primarily work independently, I highly value interdisciplinary collaboration, partnering with artists, designers, scientists, and engineers to develop innovative concepts and products.

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​Born in Brazil and raised in the Amazon, my global experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective. I have lived and studied in Portugal, UK and Norway and worked on weaving projects in India, South Korea and China. Now based in the south of England, I run my studio, which is equipped with computerised electronic hand looms and an industrial Jacquard loom, enabling both experimental and small-scale production weaving.

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The projects showcased here include examples of work for Spinexpo and research collaborations with the Electronics and Computer Science Department at the University of Southampton.

 

Since 2015, I have worked with Spinexpo to develop fabric collections, products, and concepts inspired by emerging trends. This role has allowed me to explore a wide range of trend led textiles projects and work with cutting-edge fibers, with my work exhibited at Spinexpo events in Shanghai, Paris, New York, London, Hong Kong, and L.A.

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In 2017, I began collaborating with the e-textiles research group at the University of Southampton, developing textiles and products that integrate electronic systems while contributing to academic publications. Notable projects include:

• Functional Electronic Textiles – an EPSRC-funded initiative exploring new assembly methods for integrating electronic functionality into textiles.

• WEARPLEX – an EU-funded multidisciplinary research project focused on developing flexible, textile-based biomedical multi-pad electrodes using printed electronics.

I have also contributed to several publications, including:

• Integrating Flexible Filament Circuits for E-Textile Applications

• Integration of Temperature Sensors in Fabrics

• Electronic Textiles-Based Wearable Electrotherapy for Pain Relief

• Evaluating the Effect of Textile Material and Structure for Printable and Wearable E-Textiles