Rainfall is not just a weather phenomenon; it has the power to shape our daily lives and leave lasting impressions on cultures around the world. In the Netherlands, a country known for its struggle with the elements, rain holds a special place in the hearts of its inhabitants.

But what if you could capture the rainfall experience and wear it as a tangible reminder? 

Enter Made by Rain by Dutch artist Aliki van der Kruijs, an innovative project that explores the intersection of weather and fashion through a unique technique called pluviagraphy.

Let’s take a closer look at the inspiration behind Made by Rain and how the project came to be. The artist Aliki van der Kruijs was captivated by the idea of translating the essence of rainfall onto textiles, allowing individuals to literally “wear the weather.” The Dutch culture, deeply intertwined with the omnipresent rains, served as a catalyst for this exploration. 

The Process 

Pluviagraphy involves the use of a film coating that is sensitive to water, enabling the recording of rain precipitation on textiles. This groundbreaking method transforms a simple textile into a visual representation of a drizzly day or even a monsoon. Each textile captures the actual precipitation data, including location, time, and weather conditions, making it a living record of a specific day in history.

The Collections

Made by Rain’s exquisite scarf collection showcases the beauty of rain imprinted on 100% silk textiles. The scarves feature distinct locations such as Amsterdam, The Hague, New York, and Arita, allowing wearers to carry the essence of these places with them. Each scarf is meticulously crafted and accompanied by a handmade notation detailing the specific location, date, time interval, millimeters of rain, and weather circumstances during the pluviagraphy process. 

Made by Rain goes beyond artistry and becomes a potent tool for raising awareness about climate change. Through their documentation and book, Made by Rain provides valuable insights into this urgent issue while celebrating the aesthetic appeal of their textile rain imprints. Experience the beauty and impact of Made by Rain as they bring climate change to the forefront of our consciousness.

Watch the fascinating video on Made By Rain’s process here.

Photography Pim Leenen, Lonneke van der Palen, Femke Hoekstra, Aliki van der Kruijs

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