Bio-invasive Texitle Library

Xue Chen

Summary
Final work

I'm Xue, a Bio-fashion and Upcycling designer who is passionate about integrating sustainable design thinking into my creative process. I believe in the power of design to shape our world and society, and I strive to make a positive impact through my unique design method.

In 2017, I had the honor of receiving the Epson's "Fashion start" Award - "Best Color Team Award" in China.

In 2018, my design and print contributions in the Arts of Fashion Foundation Completion in the United States helped me secure the AOF Scholarship Award.

In 2020, my work was thrilled to be awarded the Best Designer Award at the Laberhood Youtopia Graduation Competition in China. Being selected as one of the top six winning designers among a pool of talented individuals was truly an honor.

Furthermore, my work was shortlisted as a finalist in the Converse China: Creat By You Competition in 2020, further highlighting my ability to captivate audiences and resonate with industry professionals.

In 2021，I cooperated with Converse Shanghai again in 2021 to release early bio-fur and upcycling series .

This year, my graduation design project was reported by luxury&Leather Magazine, and my work was included in the future material bank

Through my website, I showcase my remarkable portfolio, featuring designs that seamlessly blend sustainability, style, and functionality. I believe that fashion should be a catalyst for change, inspiring others to embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle and appreciate the beauty of upcycled materials.

With a vision to reshape the future of fashion, I continue to push boundaries and challenge conventional design norms. My relentless pursuit of sustainable design thinking serves as a driving force for positive change within the fashion industry.

I'm Xue, a Bio-fashion and Upcycling designer who is passionate about integrating sustainable des...

CollegeCentral Saint Martins
CourseMA Biodesign
Graduation year2023

The Bio-Invasive Textile Library project presents a win-win solution that harmonises the ecology and fashion worlds. It harnesses invasive plants and fashion technology innovations to establish a sustainable ecosystem,addressing both biodiversity loss and ethical treatment of animals. Focusing on London's invasive plants, the project utilises them as raw materials for fibers and dyes, while mapping their distribution to aid invasive plant management and biodiversity conservation.

Through zero waste dyeing and technical production processes, bio-invasive furs are developed, offering a mutually beneficial outcome. By repurposing textile waste from dyeing and technology development, the project explores ancillary bio-invasive materials. Innovations in techniques like "implanting," "felting," and "spinning" create diverse textiles, providing fashion designers with solutions through the project's library.

The project adopts a distinctive dyeing process, substituting chemical components with clubmoss mordants and employing various invasive plants for multi-session dyeing, resulting in a rich color palette. Invasive plant-based materials such as ramie fiber and nettle fiber are incorporated, highlighting sustainability.

Craftsmanship involves innovative machines: the "Implanting" machine integrates fibers into fabrics using a needle mechanism inspired by hair transplant surgery, enabling versatile design implementation. The modified "Flocking" machine transforms nettle and ramie fibers into felts resembling woolen coat fabrics. By combining these technologies with knitting, spinning, and regenerative production processes, the project achieves diverse fabric forms.

The Bio-Invasive Textile Library project revolutionises the fashion industry by presenting a win-win solution. It demonstrates the potential of invasive plants and technological advancements, emphasising sustainability and ecological conservation, while fostering innovation and creativity in fashion design.