Research Critique I : Biomimicry

Biomimicry in Fashion sees a future of clothings where it is not about machine-human hybrid (aka cyborgs) but about reconnecting with nature, which can be much more sustainable and beautiful. As fashion is the second most polluting industry on the planet (after oil industry), biomimicry is also getting recognition from luxury brands that are trying to find ways to be more environmentally friendly.

Here are some of my own hand-picked examples of biomimicry that I think fits well with the class!

PROSTHETICS

 

This tentacle-like prosthetics is simple and functional, making it an inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative to prosthetics. It serves the basic function of gripping, which is effective. Another take on this design is the Vine Arm, which is more about the aesthetics and users’ self expression rather than its function.

“I want to change the way society perceives disability – showing disability can be cool, fashionable, beautiful and powerful… it’s like my body is a canvas and when wearing an Alternative Limb, I become the art” – Kelly Knox

MATERIAL

Bolt Thread is a materials innovation company that uses biomimicry to create sustainable threads used in garments.

Mylo™ is a material made from mycelium where the team carefully control the mycelium’s growth conditions to produce a mycelial mat that can be cured and tanned into a soft, supple material that looks and feels like leather.

FASHUN

THE UNSEEN – Air

This garment is inspired by the way chameleon uses their skin to react to their environment. The garment changes based on environmental factors around the wearer, including temperatures, UV rays, wind, humidity, pollution.

SOME THOUGHTS…

After reading up and looking at examples, I realised how we forget nature as a source of inspiration rather than other existing products out there that we are just rehashing over and over again. Nature is incredible, and it is something that we need to remind ourselves when coming up with projects in future.

“Future bio-infused garments will become the second layer of skin, almost like a protective mesh that reacts through form and space, as dictated by the changing environmental conditions and even the social surroundings…”

This quote kinda inspired me to think further for my project. What if tech in the future isn’t like what people used to imagine, but more organic and bound to our bodies like a second skin? I will keep this in mind.

Sources:

Prosthetic Tentacle Appendages Are The Future

 

Fashion Biomimicry Through The Lenses Of Biotechnology, Nanotech And Artificial Intelligence

http://www.lookforward-blog.com/biomimicry-in-fashion/?lang=en

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainable-fashion-blog/nature-fabrics-fashion-industry-biomimicry

https://www.eco-business.com/news/young-asian-designers-create-unconventional-air-cleaners-electrolux-contest/

Innovative Materials Used In The Fashion Industry

http://www.casualprofanity.com/fluid-dress

The Unseen, Air

THE UNSEEN develops wind reactive ink that changes color upon contact with air

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