The World of Biocouture

The World of Biocouture

Maybe we would like to introduce you to BioCouture, which we have been following its development for the last 10-12 years, and maybe, to be a little clear, we think its development takes time in the industry.
First of all, let’s start with the fun information from Kledierly.;

Did you know that bacteria and wood are wearable? When 63% of textile fibers come from petrochemicals and only 12% of the materials used in clothing manufacturing are recycled, fashion designers and scientists all over the world are looking to create eco-friendly alternatives and initiatives.

What does Biocouture mean?
According to Kleiderly. and Dezeen; Biocouture is a new fashion concept used to describe the usage mainly of bacteria in the production and manufacturing of textile materials for crafting high-end clothing. Other raw materials such as wood, starch, and sugar are also used. It took its name by replacing the old-time classic term of haute  couture with a more ecological one. In haute couture, any garment is handmade and one-of-a-kind, designed by
French high fashion houses with really exclusive clients. In Bio couture, the garments are made exclusively out of raw, natural sources and materials that have been grown from different types of organisms. The term was firstly introduced by Suzanne Lee, a senior researcher at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, who specializes in future technologies in the fashion production industry. Suzanne has a vision of producing eco-chic garments out of microbes, that are also used in fermented green tea. She works with scientists and biologists
in the procedure which goes like this: by throwing yeast, sweetened tea, and bacteria into bathtubs at a specific temperature they produce sheets of cellulose that can be molded into a wearable fiber.

Why is it Important?
Synthetic biology is the new compostable and promising technological achievement for the production of bio-textiles in the fashion industry. Sustainable fashion attempts might be in the spotlight, however, with the current exploitation of natural resources and the rapid fast fashion market, more ecological processes are needed.
For example, organic cotton is a natural product, however, it needs a tremendous amount of water to grow and process, so again it is not the ultimate sustainable alternative to synthetic production. The solution does not only come from producing fewer synthetic fibers that are not degradable but also reducing to the minimum the exploitation of natural resources.

According to Vogue Business, this year there have also been collaborations between biology labs and major fashion brands such as LVMH, including Fendi, collaborating with Imperial College and Central Saint Martins on biodesign and synthetic biology research. With the right investment and prioritization, advocates say that even innovation as
seemingly far-reaching as couture is possible.