co-design with andré jurrius: workwear overshirt

In the spring of 2021, The Linen Project invited André Jurrius of Ekoboerderij de Lingehof to join members Pascale Gatzen and Melanie Bomans in a co-design process; using their respective skills to develop a garment suited to his needs and wishes, to be crafted in an organic linen textile produced using the flax grown by the Linen Project at his farm in 2019. The result, a tailor-made workwear overshirt, was realised in cooperation with Rob Velker and André van Kessel.  

Co-design is one of the various approaches The Linen Project engages in exploring value chains, making an active connection between the end-user and the processes and decisions involved in creating items for their personal use. This co-design process took shape from the intention to reconnect the fibres with the farm where they were grown and the desire to reciprocate agricultural practice with textile craft. Conversations with André about his preferences and practical requirements shaped what the garment might be and how it might be worn. Respecting the material was central for all involved, considering the life of a garment and its role in his day to day life.

In October 2021, the team had the pleasure of personally delivering this first Linen Project co-design garment to André at Ekoboerderij de Lingehof. The autumn rain stopped, presenting a radiant photo moment out on the field. André felt so immediately at home in his overshirt that he kept it on for his interview about his involvement in Lekker Lupine that afternoon.