The growing environmental awareness of consumers and the pressure for sustainability are forcing designers to look for innovative solutions to reduce the negative impact on our planet. The introduction of new, more environmentally friendly materials and technologies is becoming a priority for many designers working in the fashion industry.
Source: Dezeen
Jessica Thies, a Brooklyn-based designer, has developed an innovative shoe concept that not only looks unique, but also promotes environmental protection. The project, called Synthiesis, uses ink with live algae that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The shoes are made of hemp fabric, and the process of printing with bio-friendly ink with the addition of microalgae gives them a unique crease effect.
Source: Dezeen
Thies, who completed this project as part of her dissertation at the Parsons School of Design, believes that her concept can help the fashion industry reduce its environmental impact. Live microalgae added to the ink transform shoes into" active objects " capable of photosynthesis and self-cleaning. To keep the algae alive, the shoes are equipped with a hydroponic system that provides nutrients.
Source: Dezeen
Thies research shows that algae can stay alive on shoes for up to four weeks without additional nutrition. As the algae die off, the color of the chlorophyll gradually disappears, which adds to the uniqueness of the shoe. Currently, the soles are made of polyurethane foam, but the designer hopes to replace them with biodegradable materials in the future.
The Synthiesis project highlights the ethical aspects of using engineered living materials and highlights the need to change human consumption habits. Yew Tree offers new rituals for caring for objects with living components, similar to caring for houseplants. In her opinion, biological materials alone will not solve the problems of excessive consumption and exploitation of nature – a new approach to the handling and care of these objects is also needed.
Source: Dezeen
I believe that it is important for consumers to gain a new awareness and sense of connection with the items they purchase, so that they take responsibility for their consumption habits. These shoes help build that awareness. – Jessica thies, designer
Through such initiatives, we can begin to build a more responsible and conscious fashion world that respects and protects our planet. The Synthiesis project shows that nThe fashion belt has the potential to make positive changes to the environment and consumers, leading us to a more sustainable future.
Junior specialist in Marketing Communications and PR.
He is a graduate of the University of Warsaw and the Main School of Agriculture. We have been in the HoReCa industry for more than 10 years. For many years, he has been associated with the Trip group, Sobienie Royal Golf and Country Club, and the Florentin Restaurant in Warsaw.
She graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw Technical University with a degree in Architecture for the Knowledge Society and Visual Communications at the Polytechnic University of Milan. A specialist in creating a mood. She has gained experience at home and abroad at numerous international seminars (Seville, Lisbon, Florence), fellowships at La Sapienza (Rome), etc. m.in. in Carmi e Ubertis and ADM Milano.
A manager with many years of experience in the cosmetics, food, and children's industries. During his career, he was associated with such companies as: L'Oreal, Samsung, Danone-Nutricia, Unilever. During his professional life, he was responsible, among other things, for the development of e-commerce sales and content in Poland and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. 
