News & Blog
Venus In Fury – The New Era of Psychedelic Textiles, presented by Shushanik Droshakiryan
What if a design laboratory were more than just a creative space? What if it were a living manifesto, constantly challenging our notions of fashion, luxury, and sustainability? That is precisely what Shushanik Droshakiryan has created with Venus In Fury.
Based in Amsterdam, Shushanik’s laboratory draws inspiration from Venus—a fiery and chaotic planet—and embodies its turbulent energy. With a rebellious spirit palpable in every fiber of her designs, her laboratory dares to boldly reimagine how fabrics are produced, used, and ultimately returned to the earth.
»By placing focus on the end-of-life phase, I underscore the importance of design in the context of a circular economy.«
A true paradigm shift in textile production: Venus In Fury‘s approach begins not with a sketch but with the selection of natural materials such as Dutch wool and marine algae. Driven by interdisciplinary biomaterial research, Shushanik works with materials born from unusual combinations of elements—for example, wool waste combined with aquatic plants or coffee grounds mixed with charcoal.
At the heart of Shushanik’s work lies a deep respect for how materials are used from beginning to end. Her strategy, which she calls “Starting from the End,” challenges the conventional approach of making materials as durable as possible. Instead, she creates materials deliberately designed for a short life—yet rich in compelling narratives and of exceptional quality. This approach ensures that each work not only makes a statement but also benefits the environment by decomposing quickly and enriching the soil.
Inspired by the mystical Sufi traditions of southern Armenia, Shushanik presented the Grande SŪF Installation at Dutch Design Week 2024 (DDW2024). In doing so, she proved that “sustainable” need not mean “plain” by transforming simple materials like wool and seaweed into lush, fur-like textures. Her installation at DDW2024 not only pushed the boundaries of how environmentally friendly materials can look but also reaffirmed Venus In Fury‘s core belief: true luxury is rooted in respect—both for craftsmanship and for the planet.
Ultimately, Shushanik’s work is a compelling call to the fashion and design world to reconsider how materials are sourced, valued, and returned to nature.
Each textile from Shushanik’s studio tells not only a story of ecological awareness and artisanal skill—it is also an open invitation to become part of a new conversation about a different kind of sustainable luxury.
If you are fascinated by this bold fusion of art, sustainability, and innovation, you can connect with Shushanik on her LinkedIn profile, follow her artistic and ecological journey on Instagram at @shushanikdroshakiryan, or discover the entire collection at DDW24_PSYCHEDELIC TEXTILES.
Modularity is not a new concept. For decades, it has shaped architecture, furniture and industrial design. Applying it to soft textiles, however, opens up an entirely new discussion.
Creativity and curiosity have always been our driving force. Our work evolves through prototypes—never finished, always raising new questions about materials, processes, and possibilities.
Both the fashion and textile industry often celebrates creativity. Yet many of the industry’s creative decisions are made long before a designer ever begins designing. Colour being one of them. The thing is, by the time a designer selects yarn, someone else has already determined the available colours, sequences and combinations. Choice exists, but only within boundaries.
“Through hands-on experimentation, I explore the potential of new surfaces and alternative forms of leather, aiming to reconnect human life with the natural world as an interconnected fabric.”
