Abstract

As the apparel industry increasingly seeks sustainable material alternatives for garment and accessory production, textile and fashion designers are beginning to collaborate with a wave of interdisciplinary researchers across various fields such as biology, material science, and textile engineering. One such area of collaboration that is garnering enormous research, media, and public attention is the biomaterial alternative of bacterial cellulose. Bacterial cellulose, a leather-like alternative, contains enormous potential due to its durability, biodegradability, and it creating no waste. Bacterial cellulose also circumnavigates many processes required for textiles such as growing natural or synthetic fibers, creating yarns, and converting yarns to fabrics. In this case study, students will analyze various interdisciplinary fields that are intertwined with fashion and learn about bacterial cellulose, a material full of potential in the textile industry. Students will also recognize the advantages and disadvantages of current bacterial cellulose production and use critical-thinking methods to create a target market for this innovative material, as well as brainstorm concepts for the future of fashion production with bacterial cellulose. Finally, this case study will promote dialogue for fashion innovation, broaden the horizons of future fashion students to critically think outside the status quo, and make a sustainable impact amongst the fashion industry.