Biomaterial Fashion
During my Experience Design graduate program, I was awarded a grant from Northeastern University’s Art and Design Department to pursue an independent project in biomaterial fashion. Building on research from a course where I successfully constructed a corset using bioplastic, I proposed an expanded exploration: designing and fabricating three fully realized outfits created from glycerin, gelatin, potato starch, and other biodegradable materials. This project allowed me to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion, merging material innovation with garment construction through hands-on experimentation.
Scope
Experience design, research, fashion
Role
Designer
Year
2024–2025
Previous Work
During my Experience Design degree, I took a course called Critical Making for Adaptive Futures, where we explored ways to replace conventional materials with biodegradable, sustainable alternatives. I focused on developing a biomaterial fabric that mimicked the structure and finish of faux leather while remaining comfortable and wearable. After extensive recipe testing, pattern-making, and construction, I created a fully biodegradable, wearable corset.
Previous Work
During my Experience Design degree, I took a course called Critical Making for Adaptive Futures, where we explored ways to replace conventional materials with biodegradable, sustainable alternatives. I focused on developing a biomaterial fabric that mimicked the structure and finish of faux leather while remaining comfortable and wearable. After extensive recipe testing, pattern-making, and construction, I created a fully biodegradable, wearable corset.
Sketches
Fast fashion has overtaken how we purchase clothing, with trends shifting every week. This project was created to mock that cycle by developing a material that is both beautiful and fully biodegradable. As a statement against disposable fashion, I sketched three outfits inspired by the ocean, flowers, and the forest, returning to nature as both muse and material.
Process
Using a bioplastic blend of water, gelatin, glycerin, potato starch, and lavender oil, I heated the mixture on the stove until thickened, then poured it into custom molds and added natural embellishments. To create fully organic textures and details, I pressed greenery and more than 150 flowers into the material as it set.
Results
The final look featured a corset top with a floral bust and lace-up back, paired with a pleated low-rise skirt that transitioned into a soft floral gradient. All stitching was done with cotton thread to maintain full biodegradability. Due to the material’s long drying time, I was able to complete one of the three planned outfits.
Sketches
Fast fashion has overtaken how we purchase clothing, with trends shifting every week. This project was created to mock that cycle by developing a material that is both beautiful and fully biodegradable. As a statement against disposable fashion, I sketched three outfits inspired by the ocean, flowers, and the forest, returning to nature as both muse and material.
Process
Using a bioplastic blend of water, gelatin, glycerin, potato starch, and lavender oil, I heated the mixture on the stove until thickened, then poured it into custom molds and added natural embellishments. To create fully organic textures and details, I pressed greenery and more than 150 flowers into the material as it set.
Results
The final look featured a corset top with a floral bust and lace-up back, paired with a pleated low-rise skirt that transitioned into a soft floral gradient. All stitching was done with cotton thread to maintain full biodegradability. Due to the material’s long drying time, I was able to complete one of the three planned outfits.