Fashion designer outfits Chappell Roan and Renee Rapp using biomaterials in their designs.
In the world of fashion, where trends change faster than the seasons, a new movement is gaining momentum - one that prioritises sustainability and the environment. Fashion industry giants, such as Adidas and Hermès, are experimenting with innovative materials like mushroom leather, while small-scale designers are delving into the potential of kitchen-shelf ingredients.
Leading this eco-friendly charge is fashion designer Caroline Zimbalist, who is creating unique, made-to-order dresses using a mixture of corn starch and seaweed-based thickener. Her material hardens, glitters while being poured into silicone moulds of hearts and leaves, and is then stitched into one-of-a-kind garments.
Zimbalist's designs, which are free from planet-polluting fossil fuels, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly. Her approach to fashion is being emulated by other small-scale designers, and her eco-friendly creations have even graced the red carpet, with celebrities such as Chappell Roan sporting her designs.
The fashion industry as a whole is showing increased interest in sustainable materials. Brands are adopting a wide range of bio-based, recycled, and upcycled materials, such as hemp, Piñatex (a natural leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibres), recycled synthetics, bamboo, and organic cotton. These materials are often combined with low-impact dyes and ethical production practices to further reduce the fashion industry's environmental footprint.
Brands are also emphasising fair labour practices and supporting circular economy initiatives like resale marketplaces and recycling programs to extend garment life and reduce waste. This holistic approach to sustainability is not just a passing trend; it's a fundamental shift in the way fashion is being produced and consumed.
Zimbalist's goal is to put a spotlight on sustainable materials in the fashion industry. By showcasing the beauty and versatility of eco-friendly materials, she hopes to inspire others to follow suit and create a more sustainable future for fashion. As more designers embrace this movement, it's clear that sustainability is no longer a niche concern, but a priority for the entire industry.
Sources: [1] Fast Company. (2021). These 10 fashion designers are using mushrooms to create sustainable materials. [online] Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/90588226/these-10-fashion-designers-are-using-mushrooms-to-create-sustainable-materials [2] Vogue. (2021). Organic cotton: The sustainable choice for your wardrobe. [online] Available at: https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/organic-cotton-sustainable-clothing [3] Elle. (2021). 10 sustainable fashion brands that are actually making a difference. [online] Available at: https://www.elle.com/culture/career-money/a37920423/sustainable-fashion-brands/ [4] The Guardian. (2021). The sustainable fashion revolution: How to shop ethically. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/jan/25/the-sustainable-fashion-revolution-how-to-shop-ethically
The arts and lifestyle scene is witnessing a transition with sustainability at the forefront, reflecting in fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden sectors as well. Caroline Zimbalist, a fashion designer, is spearheading this change with her unique, eco-friendly garments made from corn starch and seaweed-based thickener, highlighting the beauty and versatility of sustainable materials in the fashion industry.
