In its latest issue, Mental Floss magazine ran a story about Suzanne Lee and her unique fashion line. Lee’s Biocouture brand features clothing made from material Lee creates in her lab. These materials include microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, cellulose, chitin (a derivative of glucose), and protein fibers.
The article explains that Lee ferments fabric in a large, temperature-controlled vat that contains yeast, bacteria, and a green tea mixture. The result of the fermentation process is a thick material that Lee either then molds around a dress mold to create a seamless dress or lets dry in large sheets so that she can eventually stitch them together to make clothing.
Lee told Mental Floss that using biomaterials in fashion is “an emerging landscape” that could produce rapid results. In fact, she says clothing made from biomanufactured materials could become available to consumers within the next few years. Plus, the process of essentially “growing” new material for clothing cuts down on labor and manufacturing costs.
While it may seem a bit odd at first to consider wearing jackets, blouses and dresses made from bacteria, the beauty behind couture is that it allows for creativity. Who knows? Biomaterials may change the fashion industry as we know it.
Click here to read Mental Floss‘ story and check out this TED video of Lee explaining her design process.
Sustainance 