Stella McCartney Introduces the First Biodegradable Sequins
STELLA MCCARTNEY IS A TRUE TRAILBLAZER IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY. A QUESTION WE WERE ALWAYS ASKING WAS ‘WHY HASN’T ANYBODY CREATED BIODEGRADABLE SEQUINS YET?’ WELL, MCCARTNEY WHO IS ALWAYS AT THE FOREFRONT OF SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION JUST ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS. SHE COLLABORATED WITH RADIANT MATTER TO CREATE BIODEGRADABLE SEQUINS MADE OUT OF PLANT-BASED CELLULOSE. THIS IS A MILESTONE IN THE SUSTAINABLE FASHION MOVEMENT!
words by HOLLY KELSEY
photographs COURTESY OF STELLA MCCARTNEY x RADIANT MATTER
The first ever garment made out of Radiant Matter’s new BioSequins is featured on the April 2023 cover story of American Vogue. Cara Delevingne is captured by Annie Leibovitz wearing the sparkling Stella McCartney sustainable sequin jumpsuit.
Cara Delevingne photographed by Annie Leibovitz in first BioSequin jumpsuit by Stella McCartney in collaboration with Radiant Matter
In 2018 Elissa Brunato founded Radiant Matter to create a solution for sustainable embellishments that are inspired by nature. Brunato worked with expert material scientists and engineers in innovating sequins that are made from trees i.e. cellulose. Radiant Matter aims to reduce micro plastic pollution as well as toxic colourants and fixatives that are always a byproduct of regular sequins.
The problem with regular sequins
Plastic-based sequinned clothes are usually worn for special occasions and tend to get discarded after being on show for just a few times. In England alone, women buy a staggering 33 million sequinned garments every festive season, of which 1.7 million end up in landfill after being worn just five times! The plastics used in conventional sequins - polyester film (Mylar), vinyl (PVC) or PET - will never biodegrade and shed micro plastics into the soil.
Why we are drawn to sequins, shimmer and sparkle
Sparkles remind us of sunlight reflecting on water surfaces. Think of a lake reflecting the rays of sunshine on a summer afternoon. Researchers say that the reason for our love of sparkly things is basic human instinct - a sparkling dress reminds us of the gleam of water which is a symbol for life and survival. Also, they just looks so pretty! We’re thrilled that with BioSequins sparkles can finally become a part of a sustainable wardrobe!
Stella McCartney and Radiant Matter are creating a glimmer of hope to the future of the fashion industry. This is an ever-growing space with so many exciting new innovations helping fashion become more circular and we can’t wait to see what happens next!
Further Reading
Our editors have selected their five favorite vintage boutiques in Paris for you. We have visited all of them, from the Marais to Pigalle, and talked to each store’s founder to tell you their stories.