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.
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.
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.
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:
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Functional Electronic Textiles – an EPSRC-funded initiative exploring new assembly methods for integrating electronic functionality into textiles.
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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:
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Integrating Flexible Filament Circuits for E-Textile Applications
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Integration of Temperature Sensors in Fabrics
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Electronic Textiles-Based Wearable Electrotherapy for Pain Relief
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Evaluating the Effect of Textile Material and Structure for Printable and Wearable E-Textiles