Elisabeth Tai
Seaweed
Fabric
Biomaterial Research and Innovation
This research project focuses on using seaweed to create new biodegradable alternative fabrics. Using seaweed I have created two biodegradable materials. One is cooling, flexible, and mimics the draping movement of fabric, an attribute not seen in bioplastics. The second material is a stretchy thin foam that is a good insulator.
Seaweed Foam Top
Research + Process
My research took place in my kitchen, a makeshift lab. My goal is to create materials that mimic fiber-based fabrics. I use reverse design thinking to create samples. I took in-depth documentation, and through iteration, I created 37 materials over 3 months of experimentation.
Cook
Pour
Set
Test
How it Started
I am inspired by the movement of seaweed forests as it is pushed and pulled by the ocean. I also wanted to include transparency that naturally appears in nature.
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Infograph by Carbonwave
I sketched and designed different garments, all featuring a body wrap and foam detailing.
