At the heart of Melbourne Design Week 2025 (15th—25th May), Eva presents FRAY, an exhibition that reimagines the life of textiles through the lens of contemporary art. Held at Eva Carlton House, FRAY brings together a collective of artists and designers who transform decommissioned fabrics into evocative installations, challenging our perceptions of materiality, sustainability, and the narratives woven into everyday objects.
A Tapestry of Transformation
FRAY is more than an exhibition; it's a dialogue between past and present, function and form. By collaborating with local artists and designers, Eva breathes new life into discarded textiles, showcasing the potential of reclaimed materials in creating meaningful art. This initiative not only highlights the versatility of textiles but also underscores Eva's commitment to sustainable practices and thoughtful design.
Meet the Artists Behind FRAY
FRAY is a celebration of collaboration — where each artist’s hands, history and imagination breathe new life into discarded materials. Working across disciplines and techniques, these creatives reimagine what furniture, lighting, and everyday objects can be when storytelling and sustainability sit at the heart of the process.
Kasia Töns
Based on Peramangk and Kaurna Country, textile artist Kasia Töns uses hand embroidery and mask-making to explore the tension between our inner and outer worlds. Her work often touches on themes like the emotional toll of digital technology, the fragility of ecosystems, and the invisible threads that connect people (and sometimes, other species) to one another. Photography and moving image also feature in her evolving practice — bringing a fresh visual depth to her fabric-based works. For FRAY, Kasia transforms Eva’s Everyday Sofa into an artwork that invites pause, reflection, and tactility.
Kasia Töns with Stone Cloud Series 2025 in Everyday Sofa
Dom Rossi
With a background in industrial design and a flair for lighting, Dom Rossi works across materials to create harmony from contrast. Born in Tasmania and now based in Melbourne, Dom draws inspiration from natural forms and urban landscapes, weaving together metal, textile, and colour in unexpected — and often sculptural — ways. Their FRAY installation lights up the main room, both literally and figuratively, highlighting how thoughtful design can soften, elevate, and warm a space.
Dom Rossi with FRAY Wall Light & Floor Lamp using Hemp Linen, Slideaway Sofa Bed Frame
Two Cs in a Pod (Cian John-Francke and Calico Raju)
Auckland-based duo Two Cs in a Pod — made up of designers Cian John-Francke and Calico Raju — bring storytelling and repair to the forefront. Working with shashiko stitching, patchwork, and other slow-craft techniques, they breathe new life into forgotten textiles, exploring emotional connections to objects through their hands-on, concept-driven approach. Their work for FRAY is playful yet poignant, reminding us that reuse can be just as rich and expressive as something brand new.
Two Cs in a Pod (Calico & Cian) with Re:Play Series using Everyday Sofa Covers
Kritikon Khamsawat
Multidisciplinary designer Kritikon Khamsawat straddles the worlds of fashion and industrial design. Known for their refined leatherwork and wearable objects, Kritikon uses texture, form and traditional craftsmanship to create pieces that blur the line between utility and ornament. Their work for FRAY reimagines everyday materials in bold and tactile ways, pushing the boundaries of what home design can look and feel like.
Kritikon Khamsawat with Hedera
Eva Carlton House: A Living Gallery
Eva Carlton House, located at 186 Faraday Street, Carlton VIC, serves as the perfect backdrop for FRAY. Designed by In Addition Studio, the showroom blends heritage architecture with modern design, creating an inviting space that feels like home. Visitors can explore the exhibition during the following showroom opening hours:
- Wednesday - Friday: Noon – 6:00 PM
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Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
For more information, visit Eva Carlton House.
Join us at FRAY
FRAY invites visitors to engage with the artworks and the stories they encapsulate. Through the use of reclaimed materials and time-honoured techniques, the exhibition encourages a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in textile art and the potential for sustainable practices in design.
FRAY stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of textiles in art and design. By repurposing materials and embracing traditional techniques, Eva and the participating artists offer a compelling narrative on sustainability, creativity, and the stories woven into the fabrics of our lives.
Experience FRAY at Eva Carlton House during Melbourne Design Week 2025 and discover the transformative power of textile art.
