Welcome to my Laboratory​

Welcome to my experimental playground where innovative materials meet fashion. This space mirrors my bachelor thesis journey, offering an in-depth look into the fascinating world of biomaterials and sustainable textiles. Here, I push the boundaries of conventional fashion, exploring new possibilities that blend creativity with environmental responsibility.

Introduction to Biomaterials

Biomaterials are revolutionising fashion, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional textiles. From mushroom leather to algae-based fabrics, these innovations are reshaping our understanding of clothing. In my research, I’ve discovered a vast array of biomaterials, each with unique properties and potential applications. What excites me most is their ability to mimic, and often surpass, conventional fabrics while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Molding the Future of Fashion

In my quest for sustainable materials, I’ve ventured into the world of bioplastics. These innovative materials, derived from renewable biomass sources, offer an exciting alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. My experiments with bioplastics involve a mixture of natural, biodegradable ingredients, each carefully selected for their unique properties and minimal environmental impact.

Bioplastics in Fashion

Bioplastics represent an exciting frontier in sustainable fashion. By experimenting with natural, biodegradable mixtures, I create materials that mimic organic processes like reptile molting or butterfly metamorphosis. These innovative materials not only add distinctive textures to my designs but also align our clothing with environmental values, showcasing fashion’s potential for renewal and sustainability.

A SECOND SKIN FOR FASHION​

Inspired by nature’s renewal processes, I transform old materials into new fashion. My old linen curtains became a hooded jumpsuit, while discarded tights and leggings found new life as under-layers. Applying the bioplastic on the fabric was an elaborate process that required patience, but the result gives the creations a unique texture and aesthetic that makes the transformation process visually tangible.
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The World of Mushroom

My current focus lies in the realm of fungi, a kingdom of organisms that never ceases to amaze me. Mushrooms, with their intricate structures and remarkable properties, have become my muse in exploring sustainable fashion solutions.

FUNGI Kingdom

Fungi represent a diverse and fascinating kingdom, playing crucial roles in ecosystems and now in sustainable fashion. My work delves into harnessing the unique characteristics of various fungal species, from their rapid growth to their adaptable structures, to create innovative textiles and materials that challenge our perception of what clothing can be.

DYEING with Fungi

My experiments with mushroom-based dyes have revealed a stunning palette of natural colors. From earthy yellows to soft or vibrant pinks, each dye batch is a unique creation, ensuring every piece is one-of-a-kind. This process not only produces beautiful hues but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional dyeing methods.

Mycelium Cultivation

I cultivate mycelium, the root structure of fungi, directly on textile surfaces to develop innovative materials. This process is as much an art as it is a science, requiring patience, precision, and a deep understanding of fungal biology. By carefully controlling growth conditions and selecting specific textile substrates, I’m able to create materials with varying textures, strengths, and aesthetic qualities. This method allows me to forge unique bonds between textile and fungus, resulting in creations that are both functional and visually captivating.

Pioneering Novel Materials

Cooperation with the university of Vienna

Collaboration is key in pushing the boundaries of biomaterial innovation. I’m particularly proud of my partnership with researchers in Vienna, who are developing a groundbreaking new fungal material. As the first designer given the opportunity to work with this innovative fabric, I’ve had the unique chance to explore its properties and potential in fashion. This collaboration with scientists like Anne Zhao, pictured here, exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary work in advancing sustainable design solutions.

Mushrom Material

This image showcases the revolutionary fungal material I’ve been privileged to work with. Through extensive experimentation with various needles, threads, and stitch lengths, I’ve gained valuable insights into processing this futuristic fabric. The material’s unique properties challenge traditional sewing techniques, pushing me to innovate and adapt. This hands-on experience not only contributes to the development of the material itself but also opens up exciting new possibilities for its application in fashion design. It’s a testament to how designers and scientists can work together to create more sustainable and innovative solutions for the fashion industry.

First Design with the Material

The “Mushroom Muse” dress transforms the concept of a blouse into a dress featuring distinctive shoulder pads in the style of the 80s. The dress has a form-fitting shape with a slit at the back for freedom of movement. The silk used was dyed and cultivated with fungi. A corset is worn over the dress, made from the special material provided by Anne Zhao and Prof. Alexander Bismarck. This material, obtained from mushroom fruiting bodies, brings an innovative texture and materiality to the design that enriches the outfit both visually and conceptually.
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MYcelium interwoven

“Mycelium Interwoven” represents the culmination of my research and experimentation, a collection that seamlessly blends the organic structures of fungi with contemporary fashion design. This line not only showcases the aesthetic potential of mycelium-based materials but also serves as a testament to the possibility of a more sustainable future in fashion.

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My Vision of Fashion

My work with biomaterials is driven by a deep commitment to sustainability. I believe in rethinking the entire lifecycle of a garment, from sourcing raw materials to considering its end-of-life impact. In my practice, I strive to implement circular design principles, creating garments that are not only made from sustainable materials but are also designed for easy recycling or biodegradation. This approach could fundamentally change our relationship with clothing and significantly reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

Are you inspired by the potential of fungal-based fashion? Would you like to be part of this sustainable revolution? I invite you to experience these innovative materials firsthand. Book a personalized design consultation with me, and together we can create a bespoke piece that not only fits your style but also aligns with your values for a more sustainable future.

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Insights

October 3, 2024

Mycelium Interwoven: From Atelier to Flanelle Magazine

When Visions Become Reality The end of April marked an exciting milestone: My bachelor’s collection “Mycelium Interwoven” took centre stage in a thrilling editorial shoot. The results? Now proudly…
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July 19, 2024

GLITCH Magazine

The Art of Fashion and Fungus in GLITCH Magazine The fashion industry is in a state of transformation, and as a designer, sustainability is a central theme for me.…
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July 2, 2024

Neo.Fashion

Mycelium Interwoven: Our Vision for Sustainable Fashion at Berlin Fashion Week 2024 As the designer and founder of my label, I had the opportunity to present my final collection…
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May 17, 2024

Der Standard

Mushroom material – Revolutionizes the Fashion Industry When I was writing my bachelor’s thesis, I had no idea it would be the beginning of a fascinating journey into the…
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