In our fast world of consumption, it is time for a new era where we celebrate and protect Nature. Not only is nature our primary source for life, but it can also function as an essential element for sustainable fashion.

In my internship at the Hybrid Forms lab at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam I got to witness the cooperative effect of Art and Science. In the lab I focus on creating and designing a living fabric from Kombucha bacterial cellulose in combination with plants and algae. You may know kombucha as a fermented tea drink for its digestive health effects. Kombucha drink is easily made at home and during the fermentation process a cellulose layer appears and can be transformed into an organic fabric. Now, I have added an original aspect to the Kombucha cellulose. Plants and algae are able to live in harmony in the designed clothes, creating a synergetic ecosystem.

Making a living fabric also questions our current vision on fashion. Do we still create a negative impact when we throw away our clothes after wearing it for one fashion season? Can we eat and regrow our clothes by easily treating it? Can we all be fashion designers when we grow our clothes at home and restyle it everyday?

You are invited to a unique, non-conventional catwalk and performance. This fashion line is made for our future, as a thank you to all the resources our precious earth is giving us. Join me, other scientists and artists at the Hortus (VU) and experience a sustainable future.