Sustainable sequins reduce fashion’s footprint

AUSTIN, Texas – The Particles of Color exhibition in Austin shows that solving sustainability problems in the textile world can start with a micro-sized solution.

“I directed a group of two other teachers and four other students to create a durable material from which sequins could be made,” says Jessica Ciarla, associate professor in the Department of Textiles and Apparel at the University of Texas at Austin.

In recent years, Ciarla has facilitated the collaboration between science and fashion to create sustainable sequins, integrating them into more than 50 pieces in the exhibit at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. The sequins are made from plant-based, renewable material, which breaks down when composted. This innovation aims to address environmental issues as approximately 60% of clothing material is made from non-degradable plastic, which contributes significantly to the approximately 92 million tons of global textile waste.

Python leather cowboy boots repurpose a pair of cowboy boots with sustainable sequins. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

UT researchers worked with fashion designers across the country in hopes of bringing these particles from the lab to the shelves, Ciarla said.

“One of our jewelry designers is Diana Broussard and she is a designer from New York who focuses on jewelry, shoes and a few pieces of clothing,” she said.

Carolyn Conrad, executive director of the Texas Science and Natural History Museum, said the exhibit attracts a diverse audience with common interests.

“People really love some dresses… and especially the men’s suit with all the colorful sequins is a real showstopper,” Conrad said. “The other piece that is so exciting for people is the cowboy boots.”

Conrad says the creation of the exhibition is representative of an emerging shift toward environmental consciousness in the industry.

“I think listening to our younger generations and how they see sustainability and how they would put that into practice in their own creative design work is really important, and a glimpse into what the future of the fashion industry may bring,” she said.

The pieces will be on display until next spring, but Ciarla said visitors already have questions about expanding the exhibit beyond Central Texas.

“I like the idea of ​​expanding it to another country or state in America,” she said. “Even expanding the current selection we have here and potentially bringing in some regional designers from the area we’re exploring.”

Men’s clothing top and pants made by Nikolaj Storm, a young streetwear brand. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)