Valienska Magfira, Tina Gorjanc

Could In-Vitro Leather be the new Pleather?

Pure Human by Tina Gorjanc

Tina Gorjanc proposes a whole fashion collection using biotechnical engineering. Similar to in-vitro meat, she would produce leather for her collection from a DNA hair sample from Alexander McQueen and samples of skin. 

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Pure Human procedure by Tina Gorjanc, Central Saint Martins - This photograph was taken from Tina Gorjanc's official website . Tina Gorjanc, Central Saint Martins

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The fashion collection Tina Gorjanc has created, Pure Human, was made out of pigs skin cutoffs as it has the most resemblance to human skin. To emphasise this she dyes the leather and adds freckle details and tattoo designs. 

To elaborate, McQueen’s hair sample was collected from his earlier collections in 1992, Jack Ripper Stalks His Victims, where he would use his own hair in the design. It seems now rather appropriate now for Gorjanc to use such materials for her potential design out of skin!

Nevertheless, the procedures for Pure Human brings light to the shortcomings concerning the protection of biological information. For all we know your roommate may be in-vitro engineering the hair that was lying around the flat! Needless to say, Pure Human allows us to explore the potential of biotechnology not only in food industry but the fashion industry as well. Similar to the food industry, the fashion industry, or fast-fashion rather, is known for their massive environmental costs. So the introduction of in-vitro leather for luxury goods can even be more sustainable and resulting to a new fashion trend. Nevertheless, if we're serious in minimising our carbon footprints, should there be the space for in-vitro leather or should we abandon leather materials all together? 

More information regarding the design and potential procedures of Pure Human can be found in Tina Gorjanc's official website.