April 14, 2021
A photosynthetic-coated jacket from Post Carbon Lab.
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What role can fashion play in tackling climate change? A slogan T-shirt here, a recycled swimsuit there? How about harnessing biotechnology to create clothes that suck in carbon dioxide and release oxygen?
That’s the big idea behind Post Carbon Lab, an East London design research studio founded by Dian-Jen Lin and Hannes Hulstaert. Alongside their sustainability consultancy, they provide piloting services of microbial dyeing and a process they call photosynthetic coating, which uses algae and cyanobacteria to form a living layer on fabrics.
While it varies between items, the ballpark figure is that a T-shirt treated with this coating releases as much oxygen in six weeks as a six-year-old tree. However, it’s important to note that this data only reflects the part Post Carbon Lab can measure – that is, when they’re processing the item. Once it’s in the hands of the wearer, it’ll
French car brand DS Automobiles has released a four-piece clothing range coated in living algae that sequesters carbon dioxide from the air and turns it into oxygen.
The capsule collection, which includes a bomber jacket, a trench coat and two T-shirts, uses the same photosynthesis process as plants, which is also performed by microorganisms such as algae.
In order to function the pieces need to be treated more like houseplants than standard garments, and require daily misting and regular sun exposure to keep the algae alive.
The bomber jacket features a photosynthetic applique
Launched at Paris Fashion Week, where DS Automobiles was one of this year s partners, the unisex garments were designed by local clothing label EgonLab and imprinted with all-caps slogans like Lead the Charge .
Paris Fashion Week finally has a car brand to call its own. DS Automobiles is laying out a new path for the haute couture car, so it makes sense for the company to line up as one of the event’s official partners. It also rectifies France’s mysterious inability to create a high-end automotive label, although DS’s strong points – forward-thinking design and plushly engineered comfort, rather than high performance or handling – are qualities the car world is beginning to prioritise.
Why? Possibly because it’s part of a more sustainable mindset, which DS also backs up with the E-Tense electric versions of its entire range. Its interiors are something to behold: inspired by artisanal French furniture, sumptuously trimmed, but impressively idiosyncratic. The company calls its approach “Future Craft” and, to underline the fashion week affiliation, has embarked on a collaboration with French designers EgonLab and London-based research and design studio Post Carbon Lab. The r