Sustainability in fashion faces a paradox. While the need to lessen the industry's environmental impact is undeniable, some veterans see a conflict with fashion's core tenet: constant change. Their argument? Style thrives on novelty, ingenuity and uniqueness. This perspective highlights a challenge — a lack of fresh ideas for sustainable fashion.
While the debate continues as to how the industry requires innovation to bridge this gap, there are a few visionaries pioneering innovative solutions to address pressing environmental and social challenges. Aradhita Parasrampuria, a sustainable materials researcher, textile designer and the founder of Cellsense, spearheads the development of a groundbreaking closed-loop, carbon-neutral, and bioluminescent embellishment system that is reshaping the landscape of fashion and design.
Drawing upon her diverse expertise, Aradhita's work embodies a harmonious convergence of biochemistry, fashion, and sustainability principles. With a keen focus on resource scarcity, climate change, and exploitative labour practices, she is not just creating a circular design system but also working towards an overall culture that lends itself to environmental stewardship and ethical production.
At the core of Aradhita's vision lies her unique approach to sustainability. She utilizes algae and regenerated cellulose derived from textile waste to develop scalable, carbon-neutral biomaterials. These materials, far from being limited to fashion and textiles, offer a world of design possibilities across interiors, cosmetics, and jewellery, sparking the imagination of designers and consumers alike. One of her standout innovations is the creation of bioluminescent embellishments made from algae-based beads infused with jellyfish protein. These beads showcase mesmerizing natural luminescence and symbolize a sustainable alternative to conventional sequins and beads, which exacerbate the global microplastic crisis.
Aradhita's commitment to sustainability extends beyond mere material innovation. Through meticulous research and experimentation, she explores the potential of kelp, a large brown algae, as a versatile and eco-friendly textile material. Kelp's remarkable properties make it an excellent choice for garment and accessory production. It also contributes to coastal environmental remediation by absorbing nutrients from agricultural and sewage waste.
In her quest for sustainable fashion, Aradhita has delved into the intricate processes of dyeing and crafting with microbial pigments, cellulose, and probiotic bacteria. By hosting workshops that showcase these practices and demystify the science behind them, she empowers others to embrace sustainable design principles and make informed choices in their creative endeavours.
Aradhita's ethos centres on the belief that sustainability and style need not be mutually exclusive. By harnessing renewable raw materials and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, she envisions a future where fashion operates within a closed-loop product lifecycle, minimising waste and environmental impact without compromising aesthetic appeal. Her creations, which range from biodegradable kelp bead sculptures to algae and cellulose bow earrings, offer consumers sustainable alternatives that reflect sustainable values without sacrificing flair or quality.
In essence, Aradhita Parasrampuria's work represents the intersection of nature, design, technology, and society and is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and innovation in shaping a more sustainable future for the fashion industry and beyond. Her efforts are inspiring a new generation of designers and consumers to reimagine fashion as both a conduit of creative expression and a force for positive change.
Follow her work here.
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