China is the world’s largest importer of old growth tropical hardwoods and exotic animal horn. Studio Swine suggest a sustainable alternative by utilising the amazing qualities of human hair. Asian hair in particular grows incredibly quickly – up to 16 times faster than hardwood mahogany. It’s also very strong – a full head of hair can take the weight of two African elephants. By combining hair with a natural bio resin, Studio Swine invent a new composite material with an exotic aesthetic, that evokes horn or tropical hardwood.

The Hair Highway collection is based around a central concept of the ancient Silk Road. The project explores China’s relationship with the rest of the world, by creating a collection of exquisite objects inspired by Qing dynasty era pieces and 1920s Shanghai-deco style. The much fabled Silk Road once transported not only silk but also technologies, aesthetics and ideas between East and West. Hair Highway returns to the idea that trade has the ability to transport new materials, values and perceptions.