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17-25 October 2026

Why Colours Matter

sustainable science & future wear: printing with microalgae-based inks

Hosted by Anne-Marie Sust

This project is now archived and was part of DDW21

Why Colours Matter
Why Colours Matter
photographed by Stephanie Braun
Behind every new trend colour is a dyeing process that is often harmful to the environment. - So how good can clothes feel when you don't know, what material you're wearing? With this MA project, I'm showing that sustainability and aesthetics can't be seen separately from each other.

good design grows better with age

Water is the most important component of our lives. This valuable resource is limited. Current manufacturing and dyeing processes in the fashion industry are focused on the use of non-sustainable textiles and highly polluting dyes. Interdisciplinary collaboration between design and natural science has resulted in innovative microalgae inks for printing on textiles. The aim of this work is to sensitise the viewer to the temporary and sustainable nature of clothing, as the prints dissolve when they come into contact with light. It is up to the wearer to decide how to deal with the "living" microalgae prints. In this way, organic processes and their temporary nature are elevated to the level of aesthetics.
Why Colours Matter
Why Colours Matter
photographed by Stephanie Braun
working in the laboratory at FH Bielefeld
working in the laboratory at FH Bielefeld
photographed by Patrick Pollmeier at FH Bielefeld
working in the atelier at FH Bielefeld
working in the atelier at FH Bielefeld
photographed by Stephanie Braun
Why Colours Matter
Why Colours Matter

About Anne-Marie Sust

I’m a young, motivated sustainable fashion designer. I graduated in 2021 with a MA in fashion design with 1.1. I’m a determined and inquisitive young person who researches innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. I have been working on sustainability and design for over 5 years. In this process, I discovered my talent for innovative material research. With "Why Colours Matter", my MA research work, I realise my dream to bring sustainable science and design together.

Colofon

Research Mentor Dr. rer. nat. Sarah Vanessa Homburg
Research Mentor Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Anant Patel
Design Mentor Prof. Willemina Hoenderken
Theory Mentor Prof. Dr. phil. Kirsten Wagner

Partners

Sponsored by Why Colours Matter