Shed me Clothes is a project devised by Katie Ledger, an MA Fashion and the Environment Student.
During her studies at London College of Fashion, Katie Ledger developed an innovative textile that reduces the environmental impact during the use phase of a garment through the application of biomimetic techniques.
Shed me Clothes follows the development of a biomimetic textile that draws inspiration from the ecdysis process (or shedding of skin) witnessed in nature by snakes and insects. Recognising that snakes shed layers to repair and renew, Shed me Clothes sets about developing a textile that too sheds layers as an alternative to laundering. ~ Shed me Clothes Press Release
Shed Me designs would comprise three to eight layers of natural-fiber fabric attached by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a nontoxic, water-soluble yarn with high tensile strength and flexibility. It's described as a quick-dissolver and fully biodegradable.
Katie Ledger aims to reduce the environmental impacts of a garment during its use phase by creating a new method for laundering clothes. These garments don't require conventional laundering, skipping the energy intensive phase of use. Instead, when the outer layers are sprayed with water, it's possible to peel a layer of the garment away, each layer molts to reveal a new one. Shed me Clothes offers another alternative, too. The layers that have been shed can be composted, offering an alternate disposal, highlighting the 'waste' issue of what should and can be done to minimise it. In some cases the shed layers can be reattached in different configurations.
'The purpose to find an alternative to laundering is the ultimate aim of the textile with the sole purpose that the use phase causes the most environmental impact during the life cycle of a garment; consuming high levels of energy and releasing phosphates into waterways.'
'By composting shed layers, the usually linear clothing life cycle can be closed. The ultimate disposability of Shed me Clothes offers an alternative to fast fashion.'
~ Shed me Clothes Press Release
Katie Ledger aims to reduce the environmental impacts of a garment during its use phase by creating a new method for laundering clothes. These garments don't require conventional laundering, skipping the energy intensive phase of use. Instead, when the outer layers are sprayed with water, it's possible to peel a layer of the garment away, each layer molts to reveal a new one. Shed me Clothes offers another alternative, too. The layers that have been shed can be composted, offering an alternate disposal, highlighting the 'waste' issue of what should and can be done to minimise it. In some cases the shed layers can be reattached in different configurations.
'By composting shed layers, the usually linear clothing life cycle can be closed. The ultimate disposability of Shed me Clothes offers an alternative to fast fashion.'
~ Shed me Clothes Press Release
Katie Ledger has made films showcasing her concept and there are also Shed me Clothes tests available to view online on YouTube: Beherenwrobin
Katie wishes to continue the Shed me Clothes project at PhD level with a strong desire to explore the concept's potential.
This is an inspiring project exploring new methods of biomimetic design solutions to solve global issues - one to watch. Highly looking forward to its progression.
