Joanna Notkin is founder and head designer of LoooLo Textiles. Originally from Montreal and now based in Toronto, she has been recognized as an important up-and-coming designer and leader in the field of sustainable textiles. Her debut collection, presented at the 2004 Interior Design Show in Toronto, won the "best collection" award from New York based Metropolis magazine.
Joanna's interest in sustainable textiles emerged while studying at the Ontario College of Art and Design. While in the program, she studied for one semester at the Rhode Island School of Design where she began reading about fibers typically considered "natural", such as cotton and wool, which she found were actually laden with pesticides and chemical refining processes. Extensive research about these fibers and industrial production helped to reveal methodologies and raw materials that were truly sustainable. Joanna believes that good design must incorporate sustainability.
Joanna is driven by the fact that good design can
help affect real global change. She is looking forward to the day when sustainable design is required in all
industrial production.
