Material Alchemy and Biocouture: An Exploration of Ephemeral Textile Innovation (2023)

Material Alchemy and Biocouture is a conceptual textile research project that merges avant-garde fashion with biomaterial innovation. Designed as an ephemeral art piece, this project challenges conventional notions of material permanence, embracing the organic transformation of textiles over time.

At its core, the project features a scarf crafted from 100% wool, combined with a custom-developed biomaterial derived primarily from algae. The textile is machine-knitted, then heat-pressed to create structural integrity before being infused with the bespoke biomaterial recipe. This fusion of natural fibers and biofabricated elements results in a dynamic material expression that evolves, degrades, and interacts with its environment in a unique way.

By redefining sustainability through a lens of impermanence, Material Alchemy and Biocouture reflects on the transient nature of fashion and material culture. This project aligns with forward-thinking approaches to biomaterial research, circular design, and ecological consciousness in contemporary textile innovation.