Scarlett Yang designs lab-grown dress from algae that can decompose in hours.

Central Saint Martins graduate Scarlett Yang used algae extract and silk cocoon protein to create a glass-like dress that grows over time and can decompose in water within 24 hours.

The biomaterial dress changes shape in response to different humidity and temperature levels, twisting and creasing as these conditions increase.

As the London-based graduate explains, this is variable depending on the geographic location and season that the garment is worn in. During a dry winter, for instance, the fabric would stiffen and look more sculptural. And less moldable in a humid weather.

As one of the world’s most notorious and polluting industries, fashion has a lot to answer for: polluting manufacturing and distribution practices, textiles containing harmful microplastics, vast inequalities throughout the production chain…the list goes on. BioDesign offers a symbiotic, environment-first, innovative approach, which has the potential to change the way we live.