Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
Polybion
Polybion’s Celium has been featured in Ganni’s latest collaboration with Wallpaper* China, an initiative to support and elevate China’s rising design talent through the publication’s annual Co-Made project. This initiative showcases three standout designers, with two using the premium cultivated cellulose to “push the boundaries of design and aesthetics beyond the fashion world,” the materials science company said.
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The project, Co-Made, translates to “such beauty” in Chinese, Polybion said, with all pieces within the project “inspired by the textile used to create them.”
“At Polybion, we’re driven by the potential of innovative materials to transform our world. Seeing Celium as a keystone at the crossroads of cutting-edge material technology and design fuels our passion,” said Gabriela Irastorza, Polybion’s head of communications. “It’s thrilling to watch creators worldwide push the boundaries of biomaterials, taking them beyond fashion and into new realms of possibility.”
Xiaoya Wang, co-founder of Shanghai One Week Design, created the Cuddle Sofa and Bench Series using Celium, blending traditional palm fibers with innovative materials. Product designer Nadi created the Cartilage Lamp Series with Celium. The collaboration fuses technology with design, creating flexible and supportive lamps. The core is made of spring steel, while Celium wraps around the skeleton to “evoke the elegance of a soft-bodied organism.”
The Ganni x Wallpaper* Co-Made 2024 exhibition is open until Aug. 31 at Youyi Bay, Mi Casa Su Casa Hotel in Aranya, Qinhuangdao, China.
Stonyfield Organic
Organic yogurt company Stonyfield Organic has released “Sweet Threads,” a limited-edition clothing collection created using sugarcane textiles derived from sugarcane plants, launched to promote a new sugar-free snack.
The collection is made of 100 percent polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based bioplastic that can be made from renewable materials, such as sugarcane plants. The production process extracts cellulose from sugarcane stalks, which is then spun into fibers and woven into fabric.
The Sweet Threads collection is available online for a limited time, starting at $20.
Celliant
Bondi Beach-based luxury wellness brand Heat Healer has launched its “Wearable Wellness” athleisure line, powered by Celliant.
The collection allegedly enhances mobility, athletic performance, supports recovery and improves sleep. The pieces “merge luxury fashion with cutting-edge wellness technology” to provide various health benefits. The Activated Lymphatic Onesie, for example, is “activated” by Celliant’s infrared temperature-regulating textile technology.
“We face gravity and environmental stressors daily, impacting our bodies and overall health. Our patent-pending Antigravity Tech addresses these challenges,” founder Lauren Dovey said. “We partnered with Celliant, the world leader in infrared responsive textiles and their scientifically tested [and] clinically proven technology. Our garments seamlessly integrate into your wardrobe, providing health benefits every minute of the day.”
Heat Healer’s Air Socks are also made with Celliant’s infrared yarn. The compression socks allegedly combat leg fatigue and swelling, supporting mobility and circulation. The Infrared Sauna Suit uses Celliant to “temporarily increase local circulation and cellular oxygenation,” the sauna blanket seller said.
“As part of our dedication to improving health and wellness, nothing excites us more than partners such as Heat Healer reaching out to collaborate on cutting-edge new products and categories,” said Seth Casden, co-founder and CEO of Hologenix, inventors of Celliant. “We are thrilled to help them bring this exciting concept to life.”
Flexfit
Flexfit, the U.S. distributor of Yupoong and manufacturer of private-label headwear for various industries globally, is collaborating with the World Surf League (WSL) for the 2024 US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach Pier. As part of Yupoong’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, Flexfit is unveiling a Seawoolcollection at the official WSL merchandise store.
Flexfit Seawool is made from discarded oyster shells and recycled plastic waste. The material features unique properties such as odor control, moisture management and thermal regulation.
Ganni x New Balance
Copenhagen-based contemporary brand Ganni and global athletic footwear brand New Balance announced a special collaborative collection based on New Balance’s T500 sneaker.
The project hopes to elevate and support emerging talent within the Copenhagen fashion community; the two brands invited four creatives—Masculina, Bonnetje, Camilla Skov and Ojuna Njama Petersen—to co-create the T500 silhouette, using the shoe as a “blank canvas for creative interpretation.”
“Collaborating with emerging talents and independent creatives has always been a source of joy and purpose for me, and I am thrilled to share our platform with these talented individuals who embody such strong and unique creative visions,” said Ditte Reffstrup, Ganni’s creative director. “The T500 silhouette is a true archival favorite for me, and it was an honor to be invited to reinterpret this iconic shoe some 40 years after its inception.”
In celebration of this project, Ganni and New Balance will host an exhibition showcasing the four unique designs alongside the official shoe collaboration at the flagship Ganni Bremerholm store closer to the collaboration launch on Sept. 20.
