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Plants in fashion

4 Aug 2016

A BEES Plant Scientist has been involved in a unique project to create a piece of living jewellery using plants.

Samantha Martin-Harper, a UK-based Fashion Accessory Design student at Ravensbourne College in London, has created some innovative jewellery based on living plants.

Following discussions with BEES plant scientist Dr Eoin Lettice, and bearing in mind the unique circumstances of creating 'living, wearable fashion'the option of using airplants was explored. The results were recently exhibited at the Science Museum in London as part of a European Space Agency event 'Couture in Orbit', which challenges students to create outfits inspired by space flight. The event was held to mark the five European Space Agency missions to the International Space Station (ISS) between 2014 and 2016. Expert judges selected 15 pieces from across Europe to be featured in the event.

From spacewalk to catwalk - couture in orbit with ESA and

— ESA (@esa)

Airplants are a group of plants which grow without soil while often adhering to other plants or in the shifting sands of deserts. Almost entirely rootless, they absorb moisture through their leaves and derive minerals from wind-blown dust that dissolves on moist surfaces.
 
Speaking about the final design, Dr Eoin Lettice said it reinforces the myriad of uses for plants in society: "I was delighted to work with Samantha on this interesting botanical question - which plants would be suitable for such a unique use? Although an obscure use of plants, it really drives home the importance of plants in all facets of our lives; from the food we eat, our medicines, drinks, clothes, and so much more"

Thanks to the thousands of you who joined us, and tonight to celebrate at

— Science Museum (@sciencemuseum)