COLLECTIONS | MATRIX BASEL

SCARVES WITH STORIES

Since 1995, MATRIX has designed and produced over forty scarf collections. Each collection is based on a specific theme. Following extensive image research, an experimental design process takes place, resulting in the development of several patterns. The final drafts are prepared as screen printing templates and the printing stencils are exposed. Once the colour combinations have been determined through test prints, production begins. The following chronicle provides a glimpse into the 30-year history of MATRIX scarves.

PHI 2025/26

Since antiquity, the golden ratio has been used in the arts, in architecture, and in fashion. This principle of proportions describes a ratio that is perceived as particularly harmonious to the human eye.

This MATRIX Foulard Collectionis inspired by the golden ratio and other mathematical number sequences. As such, we have drawn inspiration from the fields of science, nature, and design history.

Photos shooting Flavia Schaub

UMAMI 2024/25

What do dried tomatoes, corn, sardines, peas, parmesan, seaweed, and soy sauce have in common? They’re umami. This Scarf Collection is dedicated to the theme of umami. The «Wakame», «Enoki», «Kai», and «Kurumi» designs are inspired by seaweed, mushrooms, shellfish, and nuts. At times, our studio transformed into a kitchen, filled with the scent of savoury fragrances.

Photos shooting Flavia Schaub

WIND 2023/24

Wind is the theme of this Matrix scarf collection. Our research took us from breezes to cyclones, from aviation pioneers to meteorological science. The designs «Bora», «Taifun», «Levante», «Ghibli», «Blizzard», «Mistral», and «Passat» tell the story of this journey.

SALT 2022/23

The Matrix scarf collection is dedicated to the theme of salt. Inspired by the history and significance of salt, we studied its chemical properties and dived into its micro- and macro-worlds. The seven designs «Uyuni», «Salicornia», «Halit», «Kala Namak», «Sigalit» and «Trapani» reflect this research.

Photos shooting Christian Metzler

RHINE 2021/22

This Scarf Collection pays homage to the Rhine. Seven designs tell the story of our city’s river, the Rhine Harbor, the Wettstein Bridge, and buoys. With our patterns, we follow the Rhine from its source to its mouth at the sea. Guest designer Ahjin Kim contributed the design for the silk twill scarf named «Kormoran» – it illuminates the banks of the Rhine in the immediate surroundings of the Matrix Shop, capturing plants, architecture, and water, and giving plenty of space to two cormorants. A scarf full of stories.

Photos shooting Christian Metzler

FLORAL 2020/21

Over the past 25 years, Matrix’s signature geometric style has evolved across many collections. With the Floral collection, we have taken on a theme that has always held a special place in textile design. Our interpretation of the floral motif however extends far beyond the traditional floral theme – we highlight roots, grasses, and pine cones.

In addition, the talented illustrator and passionate screen printer Hanspeter Arni designed the wool scarf «Tree» for Matrix, which enriched our floral collection as a limited edition.

Photos Shooting Christian Metzler

LOST IN SPACE 2019/20

When Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon in 1969, it was not just a small step for him, but above all a big step for mankind. Whereas we had previously looked out into space from Earth, it was now possible to view our planet from space. This shift in perspective not only captivated the worlds of technology and science, but also inspired artists and designers. The Space Age reached its peak.

Photos shooting Christian Metzler