Would you wear a Dress Made of Wine?

orgWe've heard red wine can benefit your health, but how about your closet? Researchers at The University of Western Australia have just discovered a way to make the beverage into clothing. The process is a lot easier than you'd think: the fabric actually creates itself without any weaving. Talk about futuristic fashion!


Scientist Gary Cass was inspired to create cellulose garments when he
noticed a skin-like rubbery layer covering a vat of wine that was
contaminated with Acetobacter bacteria (don't worry--it's non-hazardous
and non-pathogenic). He worked together with artist Donna Franklin and
used the bacteria to transform alcohol into a cellulose fabric by
pouring and wrapping it against a mold or human body. The resulting
material clings to the body and is entirely seamless. The duo then
successfully created fermented fashion made of red wine, white wine, and
beers like Guinness, which all retain their natural odor and color.
Apparently the fabric feels like sludge while it's wet and forming, but
once it's dry the fitted material acts like a second skin. Since the
clothing is made with living microbes, the creators have named the
fabric Micro'be'.


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Wine is made into an actual garment on a mold. Photo courtesy of bioalloy.orgThe
creators are first to admit there are some flaws to their design. The
fabric lacks flexibility--clearly a big problem. How would you take
these items on and off? How would they wear? Another dilemma: wearers
may not enjoy smelling like an alcoholic beverage all day long. Cass and
Franklin are currently working on these issues to make the fabric more
commercial, and they're optimistic about their experimentation.



Even with these issues resolved, Micro'be' garments may take some
getting used to. (We feel the fleshy appearance of red wine fabric looks
like Lady Gaga's famous meat dress!) But there are many advantages to
using the unique textile. The garments require no sewing, which means
less labor and low production costs. Micro'be' is also eco-friendly,
organic, and biodegradable. So while we don't see this material taking
over the fashion industry just yet, we do think Cass and Franklin are on
to something.


This isn't the first time clothing has been made out of consumable goods. Last year a German microbiology student created a fabric from milk, and many artists have crafted fashionable looks from fruits and vegetables.