Plant-Based Materials Research for Fashion
As part of La GUAPA Studio and a recipient of the 2022 Creators Fund from Creative Victoria, I embarked on an exciting journey to explore plant-based materials for fashion. This six-month project focused on pushing the boundaries of sustainable design by researching and experimenting with innovative, low-impact alternatives to traditional materials.
The project centred on transitioning away from animal leather and prioritising traceability, responsible sourcing, and animal welfare. I explored cutting-edge materials such as vegan mushroom leather, pineapple leather, and cactus leather while fostering collaborations with Australian regenerative agriculture farmers to incorporate materials with a lower environmental impact.
The results of this initiative culminated in a sample capsule collection that celebrated sustainability and innovation. Highlights included:
• A zero-waste leather jacket.
•Three jacket styles crafted from different plant-based leathers.
• A coat sourced from a regenerative wool farm.
• A jacket made from responsibly sourced cotton.
Each piece reflected my dedication to circularity, zero-waste practices, and conscious material choices. By blending regenerative farming principles with innovative materials, this project contributed to advancing sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
This research and the resulting collection represent an important step toward a more ethical and environmentally conscious future in fashion, and I’m excited to continue driving change through thoughtful design and sustainable innovation.
