suzanne lee: biocouture growing textiles

‘biocouture jacket’ image courtesy the science museum london

london-based suzanne lee, is a senior research fellow in the school of fashion / textiles, central saint martins, london. she is also the creative director of biocouture which investigates the growth of clothing through the use of bacterial cellulose.

lee’s latest garment – which uses these growing textiles – is the ‘biocouture’ jacket made from cellulose. instead of coming from plants, the cellulose is produced by millions of tiny bacteria grown in bathtubs of sweet green tea.

jacket sleeve seam detail image courtesy the science museum london

lee will host a workshop, thursday, september 23rd at the 100% materials stand at 100% design during london design week. her pioneering project which demonstrates growth of a biomaterial using nothing other tan sugary tea and bacteria, will also be presented at this time. the ‘eco-textile’ is grown in flat sheets which are then cut to shape, sewn together or moulded over 3D forms.

left: side view right: sleeve detail image courtesy the science museum london

pocket detail image courtesy the science museum london

eco-textile kimono image via despoke