Biomimicry Notes
Biomimicry in fashion involves emulating nature’s patterns, processes, and systems to create sustainable
textiles, manufacturing techniques, and design aesthetics.
Figure 1 adopted from Kapsali (2008) shows the principles of biomimicry. To create sustainable designs
inspired from nature it is important to be guided by these principles. By prioritising the functional aspect
of any design, nature optimises the process. Similarly, with ample understanding of structures and
patterns, designers can create apparel that can serve the functionality efficiently. Nature also limits its
designs within the available resources. By imitating this concept of resource efficiency, the fashion sector
can reduce consumption of energy, generate minimal waste and optimise the material requirement. And
finally, nature adapts and evolves along with the environment. Garm
Biomimicry can provide alternate sustainable practices for the fashion industry. These practices can be
less toxic to the environment. The mimicking of design strategies of nature can reduce carbon footprints,
optimise resources and improve circularity. Secondly, nature is an amazing source of wide array of varied
design inspirations. The concept of biomimicry urges the designers to think out of the box. And finally,
nature provides an extensive range of materials that are organic and regenerative and thus can replace
the hazardous impacts of the synthetic materials. This field encourages designers to explore and use bio-
based materials. Bamboo fibre, seaweed, mushroom leather etc are few of the example
Spider Silk: One of the most crucial properties of spider silk is its strength. Along with it, the material
possesses elasticity. To replicate this material, researchers try to harness the spider’s genetic code to
create artificial spider silk that is biodegradable and sustainable.
Butterfly Wing Patterns: The butterfly wings have vibrant and intricate patterns. Researchers have
studied the microscopic structures and process of pigmentation to develop fabric that can reflect light
and produce shimmering colour changing effects.
Sharkskin-Inspired Swimwear: The texture upon the shark skin reduces drag and helps in efficient
swimming. Swimwear brands have developed textured fabric with this inspiration that improves the
performance of the swimmer with less resistance.
Production Methods: Along with product redesigning, biomimicry also influences the production
processes so that waste is minimised, and resources are optimised. The use of 3D printing technology is
one such example. It is inspired by the structure of the bones that provides strength with minimal
material usage. The usage of 3D printing is already in fashion, and multiple designers are using it for
making structured garments. The textile dyeing process is another area that is hazardous and toxic to the
environment. However, looking back to the nature, more and more natural dyes are being used and thus
reducing the usage of chemical dyes.
Biomimicry in fashion epitomises the bond that can be made between sustainability, innovation, and
design. By adopting biomimicry, the fashion industry can move towards a more sustainable future,
reducing its ecological footprint and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
