Matching fabric to an artist’s creative vision can be a demanding endeavor. During an exhibition in Miami, artist and fashion designer Anabella Bergero planned a series of vibrantly printed, heart-shaped pillows as part of her “Heart of the Community” showcase. Her dye sublimation (dye sub) paper transfer printing partner, Mimaki USA, reached out to TVF at the artist’s request to supply multiple yards of 2.2 oz. Polyester Satin for the pillows’ base fabric.

Often used for jackets, jacket linings, and women’s tops, TVF’s Polyester Satin has a luxurious look and silky feel that attracted the artist for this application. Additional end-uses where the fabric would be subject to more wear and abrasion – such as couch pillows – would be best suited for a different fabric.

The 2.2 oz. Polyester Satin supplied by TVF features a satin twill weave from 100% polyester yarns. It is prepared for print, and available in widths of up to 57/58”. Bergero’s urban Latin American life-inspired pillows were assembled using sewn-together sections of Polyester Satin with colorful images and patterns that were inkjet printed onto dye sub transfer paper. The fabric and paper were then run through a heat calendar that activated the ink to gas-off the paper and transfer to the fabric, embedding the colors and graphics into the fibers.

The combination of the Polyester Satin fabric and the dye sub printing process allows the artist a virtually unlimited color palette and high pixel clarity for designs that included anything from solid colors to money reproductions to hand-designed messaging to elaborate flowers across the full color spectrum.

The print presentation and sheen of the Polyester Satin helped the pillows stand out from the mixed-media backgrounds and artsy islands that populated the space. Bergero’s “Heart of the Community” was located in the Faena Art Project Room in Miami Beach from April to October 2023, and coincided with Miami Fashion Week 2023.

A catalogue of the individual creations displayed at the exhibit by Bergero is available online. For more on 2.2 oz. Polyester Satin from TVF and solutions to help your business reach its full potential, reach out to the TVF Sales Team.