Finding the Folly.

Brilliantly coloured and generously sized, the Folly Beach Towel has been a favourite in our range since it’s launch in 2019. Since then we’ve been pleased to see it gracing beaches and homes around the globe.

Now introducing the Folly Beach Towel in Hermit Crab. Pulling a punch with purples, greens and orange hues.

So how did it all come about? We had a chat with our designer, Lenore.

Let’s start with your design process – where does it all begin?

My starting point for a new product is the weave construction. This is what gives a textile it’s functionality – absorbency, durability etc. Once I have a construction in mind, I will draw it on graph paper. Then we’ll do a bit of internal testing – with members of the Mungo team taking home the product to try out it’s feel and function. When it comes to colour selection, I’ll need to think about making the weave work well with the colours – that’s what will really give it’s visual appeal. So I’ll start with simulations on our CAD program, which help me play around with our yarn colours. Then I’ll present the initial designs to the team, and we’ll narrow it down to a selection for sampling. I like to stand by the loom when the colour samples are weaving, because it gives me new inspiration – changing and playing with colour combinations I hadn’t thought of. When all the samples are done, we’ll select our favourites – this might be internally or sometimes we’ll put it to our customers/followers to get feedback on their favourites!

How did you develop that graphic, block design so iconic of the Folly?

In weaving, a check fabric is created by having an equal number of warp and weft threads in the design. The idea is to create a repeating pattern that leaves you with a symmetrical cloth. But I wanted to design a multicolour fabric without using a check. So the warp stripes are in fact different from the weft. The weft colours are also stronger in tone, which gives it that bold, graphic feel.

And the fishscale?

When I design new products I try and be mindful of ways to keep what we call a ‘common warp’ – where we try to keep new designs on the same set up and machines. It refines the process, so that we can weave more products on one machine. I had a look at the graphic scaling on the Tawulo Towel – which has a bold zig-zagging pattern. I used this as a starting point, but built on it to create something more striking and graphic.

Rumour has it there’s something to the ‘Folly’ name…

The first-ever warp for the Vrou Vrou Blanket was done incorrectly. The number of warp threads were far too little, and there was 400m already warped. I had to think quickly – how were we going to use this faulty warp? At that time we’d didn’t have a multi-colour towel on the range. So this was an opportunity to create something new. You can say the Folly is the offspring of the Vrou.

Thoughts on the final result?

The Folly is designed to be playful – it will always have an array of bright colours. For the Hermit I went for more earthy tones, but added in some emerald green to give it that pop! I love the finished look. The Hermit keeps its playful tones but adds something a bit more cooled down and contemporary.

So that’s it. A must-have for summer. Or a mood-booster in winter. Something for the beach or something to brighten your bathroom. Whatever floats your folly boat.