STELLA McCARTNEY DEBUTS WORLD’S FIRST BIOSEQUIN GARMENT
ON AMERICAN VOGUE APRIL 2023 COVER STORY, WORN BY CARA DELEVINGNE
Stella McCartney debuted the world’s first garment crafted from Radiant Matter’s BioSequins on the April 2023 cover story of American Vogue, a jumpsuit worn by model, eco-activist and House friend Cara Delevingne. Both exclusive and experimental, the sleeveless and fitted all-in-one was handmade at the brand’s London atelier. BioSequins are plastic-free, biodegradable and non-toxic, innovated from plant-based cellulose – using no metals, minerals or synthetic pigments or colourants.
“I am amazed by the iridescent beauty of our BioSequin all-in-one – handcrafted in my London atelier from plant-derived, non-toxic sequins that are even more stunning than conventional options. Who says sustainability can’t be sexy? Cara is breath-taking in this rare, precious garment and I am so grateful that Vogue has given us the platform to share it and inspire others to see the potential of a more conscious future of fashion.” – Stella McCartney
The fashion industry is a massive contributor to the world’s plastic problem, with 70 million barrels of oil used to make polyester annually (UN). According to Oxfam, British women purchase 33 million sequinned garments every festive season – with 1.7 million ending up in landfill, after only five wears. This moves from waste stores to waterways, with 35% of microplastics released into the world’s oceans coming from synthetic clothing (European Environment Agency, EEA).
While the BioSequin jumpsuit will not yet be commercially available, it showcases the potential of Radiant Matter’s material innovation in benefiting the health of both people and planet. Every fabric that sparkles, glitters or has a reflective property contains a high percentage of petroleum plastic, toxic coatings or metallised parts. Conventional sequins are made of polyester film (Mylar) or vinyl (PVC), which cause particularly significant environmental and health risks – producing toxic, bioaccumulative chemicals, including carcinogens, such as phthalates and hormone disruptors.
“It is so special to see how Stella McCartney has worked with our Biosequins to bring them to life on this beautiful jumpsuit. We have loved her uncompromising approach to sustainability and aesthetics, which are reflected in any decision, down to the fabric and thread choice, resulting in a stunning yet fully plant-derived garment. We are delighted to partner in creating this innovative piece and the opportunity to showcase it on American Vogue.” – Elissa Brunato, founder of Radiant Matter
Since 2010, Stella McCartney has been a PVC-free brand – including the sequins it uses in its collections. The British conscious luxury pioneer has ambitions to only use recycled, recyclable and biobased alternatives in the near future. Collaborating with Radiant Matter on BioSequins brings it one step closer.
Discover the Stella McCartney BioSequin jumpsuit on the Vogue April 2023 cover story and for more information, please visit Stella McCartney
Vogue Credits: Vogue // @voguemagazine Photographer: Annie Leibovitz // @annieleibovitz Writer: Chioma Nnadi // @nnadibynature Fashion Editor: Jorden Bickham // @jordenbickham Hair: Tamara McNaughton // @tamaramcnaughton Makeup: Romy Soleimani // @romyglow
Talent Director: Sergio Kletnoy // @sergiokletnoy
