Oftentimes, luxury brands will look to biomimicry for inspiration in developing innovative materials. An occurrence of this that stuck out to me was Gucci’s release of the lotus-effect fabric.
In 2015, the brand introduced a collection of raincoats made from a lotus-effect fabric called “Liquid-Shell”. The fabric is made from a blend of polyester and elastane, utilizing a water-repellent coating that mimics the lotus leaf’s ability to repel water.
Gucci collaborated with the German textile company Schoeller Technologies AG to develop the “Liquid-Shell” fabric. The fabric was inspired by the lotus leaf’s ability to repel any liquid, effectively cleaning itself.
The lotus leaf has tiny microstructures on its surface that create a rough coating to which water droplets cannot adhere to. This self-cleaning effect has been mimicked in the Liquid-Shell fabric by developing the surface coating obtaining nanoparticles that repel water and dirt.
The development of the Liquid-Shell fabric was a significant step for Gucci, as it demonstrated the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the use of biomimicry. The lotus-effect fabric has since been used in other Gucci products, including shoes and bags, and has inspired other luxury fashion brands to explore the use of biomimicry in their products.
Oftentimes luxury products are defined by the material they are created with. Luxury development relies on innovation in materials, which is why biomimicry is so relevant.