A new fashion trend is focusing on reducing environmental harm by using biodegradable materials. Caroline Zimbalist, a designer from New York, is creating handmade dresses using seaweed, cornstarch, and other natural items. These dresses have been worn by celebrities and aim to show that fashion can avoid oil-based materials. Over 60% of clothes today are made from synthetic materials like polyester, which comes from fossil fuels. These fabrics produce pollution and microplastics during washing. Well-known brands like Adidas and Hermes are testing new materials such as mushroom-based textiles to find more sustainable options.

Some alternative fabrics, such as mycelium leather and corn-based cloth, are already used in luxury fashion and sportswear. However, experts say these materials are still expensive and difficult to produce in large amounts. Zimbalist’s materials, for example, can melt in high heat or smell bad if not treated properly. Even with these challenges, designers continue to work on new and creative solutions. Some experts believe these efforts could help larger companies change in the future. Companies are also studying how farming methods affect the sustainability of raw materials. Although fossil-based fabrics are still common, interest in new materials is growing. These early efforts may lead to less waste and pollution, helping the fashion industry move toward a more eco-friendly future.