No Ordinary Cloth: Intersection of textiles, emerging technology, craft and sustainability

Have you taken a close look at the label on your running jacket? It probably mentions a list of materials such as nylon, polyester, elastane — but what it doesn't say is that these materials are born from fossil fuels, made with toxic chemistry, and designed in a way that makes them almost impossible to recycle or break down at the end of their life.In this first episode of Clean Run, host Mili Tharakan takes an ordinary running jacket bought from the high street and deconstructs it — layer by layer, fabric by fabric — to ask: what would it look like if we rebuilt it from scratch, without the petrochemicals and toxins that are so embedded in performance wear today?To answer that question, Mili is joined by three founders who are each replacing one of the jacket's core fossil-fuel derived fibres with something radically different.Guests:Hitesh Manglani, CEO & Founder of SuperCarb — processing sugar molecules from seaweed and food waste into a high-performance polyester alternative that is inherently antibacterial, flame retardant, and free from microplastic shedding.Jeanne Begon-Lours, CEO & Co-founder of Tera Mira — developing the world's first fully bio-based elastane alternative made from seaweed, designed to replace the hidden villain that blocks recycling in almost every garment made today.Khorceska Batyrova, CEO & Co-founder of OzoneBio — turning wood waste and nutshells into bio-based Nylon 66, producing the same high-performance fibre without the toxic adipic acid manufacturing process that releases nitrous oxide — a gas 300 times more damaging than CO₂.Not petrochemicals but organic waste is the new raw material. Wood bark, nutshells, seaweed, citrus peels — the feedstocks these founders are using are things the world produces in enormous quantities and currently throws away. The running jacket of the future may well start in a forest floor or a food processing facility.In this episode: Why nylon, polyester and elastane are so dominant in performance wear — and what makes them so hard to walk away from How bio-based materials can match the performance of petroleum-based fibres — and where the trade-offs still exist The chicken-and-egg problem of scale that every material innovator faces with large brands What it actually takes to bring three new materials together into a single garment Honest reflections on favourite failures, founder wellbeing, and what keeps these innovators goingThe Clean Run series is inspired by the Performance Without Toxicity exhibition, curated by The Mills Fabrica in partnership with Goldwin, open until 26th June 2026 at Fabrica X in London. Entry is free.Clean Run is a three-part series. Episode 2 explores the hidden chemistry of finishing — the dyes, coatings, and construction decisions that can undermine even the cleanest fibreConnect with Mili Tharakan:  LinkedIn  I  Insta  I  Buy me a coffee  I  WebsiteIf you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback and it helps others discover this podcastCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

This is a special episode in partnership with Fashion District LondonWhat if you could trace every thread of a garment – from the cotton field to the shop floor and all the way to the recycling centre – and understand its true cost? Not just the financial cost, but the environmental, social, and human cost?That's the question at the heart of this episode. The fashion supply chain is one of the most complex systems in the world, and for decades it has operated largely in the dark. But a new generation of technology companies is changing that – gathering data, building transparency, and helping brands finally understand what is actually happening behind their labels.We are joined by Jothi Kanayalal from Clothing Connected and Atnyel Guedj from Made2Flow, who together offer a fascinating window into what it means to truly know your supply chain.What We Cover in This Episode Why the fashion supply chain has operated in the dark for so long – and why that is rapidly changing Why a garment label saying "Made in Bangladesh" tells us almost nothing – and why two thirds of a product's environmental impact lies in the invisible upstream tiers What Clothing Connected does day-to-day: onboarding suppliers across all tiers, automating compliance, replacing spreadsheets and emails with a real-time single source of truth What Made2Flow does: collecting "activity data" from facilities worldwide, running automated lifecycle assessments (LCAs), and turning incomplete, fragmented data into reliable environmental impact results The biggest barriers slowing brands' adoption of supply chain technology – from ROI pressure and fragmentation to digital literacy across developing nations The regulations brands can no longer ignore: Digital Product Passports (DPP), ESPR, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the Green Claims Directive How AI is beginning to transform data validation and verification How Clothing Connected and Made2Flow complement each other in a brand's data ecosystemKey Takeaways Most brands have visibility only to tier 4 (garment manufacturer) and partially tier 3 (fabric mill). Tier 2 and tier 1 upstream data – spinners, ginners, raw material sources – remains largely invisible Without supply chain data, brands cannot ensure ethical production, avoid harmful substances like PFAS, calculate EPR taxes accurately, or prepare for Digital Product Passports Clothing Connected operates as a cryptographic ledger – more energy efficient than blockchain – and is multilingual, serving over 3,000 clothing suppliers Made2Flow's LCA engine is specialised in fast-moving consumer goods and textiles, able to work with incomplete data and fill gaps reliably using years of accumulated process knowledge The brands that invest in data infrastructure now will be far better positioned when DPP and ESPR regulations arrive for textiles in 2027 This is no longer only a sustainability conversation – it is a financial and business imperativeConnect with: Jothi Kanayalal   I   Atnyel GuedjConnect with me:  LinkedIn  I  Insta  I  Buy me a coffeeCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

This is a special episode in partnership with Fashion District London.In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we go back to where the cotton story truly begins: in the soil and in small farming communities. Mili is joined by Felix Bartlett, founder of Biothread, and Dr. Catherine Bottrill, co‑founder of ACE (Affordable Clean Environment) Cotton, to explore how regenerative farming, microbial science and clean energy can transform the future of the world’s favourite fibre.Together they unpack the small and large scale cotton farming industry and ask what it would mean for cotton to become a force for regeneration: rebuilding soil health, cutting emissions and creating real wealth and dignity for the people who grow it.In this episode, we talk about: Why cotton is still the “quiet king” of textiles – beloved by the richest and the poorest, and deeply bound up with power, politics and identity. The difference between conventional, organic and regenerative cotton – and why “regenerative” is as much a process and pathway as an end state. How Biothread uses microbial consortia and field trials to reduce synthetic fertiliser use, improve yields and strengthen soil health in cotton systems. The social realities behind cotton: farmer debt, crop failure, climate volatility and why soil degradation sits at the heart of many of these crises. ACE Cotton’s village‑level model in South Asia – combining solar irrigation, clean household energy and biodiversity projects to support just decarbonisation. How brand decarbonisation targets, farm‑level emissions and smallholder energy access can be aligned so climate action also builds resilience and opportunity. The role of data, measurement and software in proving impact – from input reductions and yield changes to carbon, water and livelihoods metrics. Farmer trust, pilots and “show and tell”: what it takes to introduce new technologies and financing models into communities where risk is already high. Why cotton must be protected as the most widely used natural fibre if we are to avoid a fully synthetic future for fashion.  The power of storytelling in shifting cotton from “cheap commodity” to living system – and how Felix and Catherine draw on their own backgrounds to do that work.Pilio Group ACE VillageBioThreadFashion District LondonBooks on the history of cotton explore its role as a global commodity that shaped modern capitalism, industrialisation, and imperialism Empire of Cotton: A Global History : Sven Beckert A History of the Cotton Industry : Anthony Burton Cotton (Textiles that Changed the World) : Beverly LemireConnect with me: LinkedIn  I  Buy me a CoffeeRecommended listening:Ep 25. Turning Agri Waste to Cellulose FibreEp 14. Farm to FibreCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

This episode goes deep into the complexity of how our clothes are cut and sewn today and what it will take to rebuild apparel manufacturing for the 21st century. Mili Tharakan is joined by Cam Myers, Founder, CEO and Board Director of CreateMe Technologies, who shares how his team is pioneering an autonomous, stitchless tailoring platform that brings together robotics, advanced adhesives and what he calls “Physical AI.”Cam is a seasoned entrepreneur and inventor with two decades of experience across automation, hardware, software, and apparel tech, he has built CreateMe from concept to industry pioneer, securing 25 patents for apparel automation innovations. Before CreateMe, Cam played key roles at DoubleClick (during its $3.1B sale to Google) and Group Commerce, a venture‑backed e‑commerce platform later acquired by Blackhawk Network. He began his career in investment banking at Allen & Company and holds an MA from Cambridge and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School, with further studies at MIT in advanced manufacturing.Key takeaways Why apparel remains one of the most labor‑intensive, offshored industries in the world, employing tens of millions of people and relying heavily on manual sewing. What makes sewing so hard to automate: unstable textile physics, extreme variability in fabrics and fits, and the need for human‑like perception and dexterity in three‑dimensional space. How CreateMe’s bonded garment technology uses printed adhesive patterns that mimic stitch files, enable fully automated assembly, and can be made thermo‑reversible for disassembly and recycling. Where this platform is already being applied—starting with categories like women’s underwear—and the range of fabrics, constructions, and embellishments it can support, from fine silks to complex laminations. The vision for on‑shoring and “microfactories of the future”: compact, high‑throughput production cells capable of million‑unit annual output, shorter lead times, and closer proximity to key consumer markets What this shift could mean for inventory risk, responsiveness, sustainability, and the economics of producing apparel in high‑wage regions. Cam’s founder journey from investment banking and high‑growth tech and e‑commerce ventures to building CreateMe into an apparel automation pioneer with a growing portfolio of patents—and why textiles should be seen as critical infrastructure, not just fashion trends.CreateMeLondon Sewing Machine museum: www.museumslondon.org🎧 Recommended listening:Ep 6. AI for Zero waste fabric, Sustainability and Traceability in Textile FactoriesEp 13. 3D Weaving yarn to garment and zero inventory circular fashionConnect with meMili Tharakan:  Linkedin  I  Insta  I  Website  I  Buy me a coffee❤️ If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback.Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we sit down with Charles Ross, Performance Sportswear Design Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, to explore what durability and sustainability looks like in the fashion and sportswear industries. Charles has spent over two decades at the intersection of functional design and environmental responsibility, championing the idea of sustainability through longevity — creating durable, meaningful clothing that stands the test of time.Together, we unpack the idea of emotional durability: how designers can foster deeper connections between people and their garments, making us value what we wear more and waste less. Charles shares insights from his extensive experience working with brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Adidas as well as from his teaching, research, and outdoor pursuits that inform his hands-on approach to design.It's an episode where you will laugh and learn from one of the legends of outdoor and performance wear.Key Takeaways Designing for both physical and emotional longevity is one of fashion’s most sustainable acts. Storytelling, authenticity, and personal connection drive emotional durability. Consumers are more likely to repair, care for, and retain garments they’re emotionally attached to. The sportswear sector can lead in circular thinking by blending innovation with human-centered design. Longevity is not just about how long clothes last, but how long they matter.Resources:DO LecturesA Climate of Truth by Mike Bernes-LeeThere is No Planet B by Mike Bernes-LeePerformance DaysConnect with Charles Ross: LinkedInConnect with Mili Tharakan: LinkedIn I Insta I Website I Buy me a coffeeIf you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback.Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode by No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictIn this episode, Mili speaks with Sol Escobar, founder of Give Your Best, and Anoli Mehta, founder of Circular Threads, two inspiring women tackling fashion’s social and environmental challenges from different angles. Sol’s award-winning social enterprise helps bridge the gap between clothing waste and clothing poverty by allowing people in need—such as refugees and survivors of domestic violence—to shop donated fashion online for free, preserving choice and dignity while promoting circularity. Meanwhile, Anoli’s platform gives South Asian wedding and occasion wear a meaningful second life by creating a space for people to buy, sell, and rediscover preloved garments, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. Both founders are proving that community-driven circularity—whether through redistribution or resale—can reshape the fashion system, reducing waste while building inclusivity and meaningful connection in how we consume and value clothesKey Topics Discussed: How Sol and Anoli’s businesses address fashion waste and offer alternatives to buying new The problem of clothing poverty in the UK and how Give Your Best gives agency and dignity to vulnerable individuals through free shopping for donated clothes The challenge of overconsumption and the cultural significance of South Asian fashion, and how Circular Threads is building a dedicated marketplace for preloved occasion wear The power of community: building genuine connections with buyers, sellers, donors and volunteers Stories of personal identity, belonging, and the emotional meaning tied to clothing Behind-the-scenes experiences in entrepreneurship, including overcoming failure, learning resilience, and finding inspiration from lived experiences What success looks like—impact, culture shift and empowering othersCalls to Action: Listeners are invited to support both projects by donating clothing, becoming a volunteer, attending events, or simply spreading the word to raise awareness Anyone with South Asian outfits or formalwear they no longer use is encouraged to visit Circular Threads’ store or online marketplace For Give Your Best, all are welcome to donate clothes, connect with local volunteers (“Besties”), and help extend the platform’s mission Join these communities to help fashion last longer than an evening outFollow and connect with Sol Escobar and Anoli Mehta: Give Your Best:  Website   I   Insta Circular Threads:  Website  I   InstaConnect with meMili Tharakan:  LinkedIn  I  Insta  I  Website  I  Buy me a coffee If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback.Recommended listening:Ep 22. Beyond the Bin: fighting against Fashion WasteEp 21. Circular Fashion in Action: Insights From Luxury and Highstreet BrandsCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode, host Mili Tharakan, dives deep into the extraordinary mind and career of Amanda Parkes—a true pioneer at the intersection of science, fashion, and engineering. Amanda has consistently challenged boundaries and redefined what’s possible in textiles and sustainability.Amanda Parkes is a renowned fashion scientist with more than 20 years of experience pioneering innovation, sustainability, and smart materials across the fashion and technology sectors. As founding scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at Pangaia, she led the creation of market-first, sustainable materials, helping to earn the brand a top spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Brands list. She holds a PhD and MS from the MIT Media Lab and degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Art History from Stanford. As an Advisor at Regeneration VC Amanda also advises leading climate tech and biomaterials startups and is an internationally recognised speaker, honoured by the Business of Fashion and Vanity Fair for her influential work shaping the industry.In this episode they explore Amanda's latest venture - Mothership Materials, where she is translating cutting-edge molecular separation technology to turn waste into valuable ingredients for the next generation of textiles and glucose for microbes. Amanda's insights offer a hopeful and innovative vision for the future of the textile industry.Key takeaways from this episode include the potential of waste valorisation in creating sustainable textiles, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, and the need for robust business models in sustainable fashion.Mothership Materials00:00 Introduction to the No Ordinary Cloth Podcast00:43 Meet Amanda Parkes: A Pioneer in Sustainable Textiles05:52 Defining the Role of a Fashion Scientist13:53 Amanda's New Venture: Mothership Materials36:03 Navigating Interdisciplinary Skills and Innovation Diplomacy43:44 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling Sustainable Technologies51:53 Insights from Leading Innovation at Pangaia01:09:40 Future of Emerging Textile Technologies01:10:33 AI in Textile Innovation01:11:18 Regeneration VC Fund's Mission01:12:50 Challenges in Impact Measurement01:15:12 Investment Nervousness in Fashion Startups01:18:43 Career Path and Advice for Young Professionals01:42:22 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPangaia Lab I  Regeneration VC🎧 Recommended Listening:Ep 14. Farm to FibreEp 15. Brewing Beer for Bio LeatherEp 2. From Garden Waste to LeatherEp 16. Catalyst Shaping the Future of Sustainable and Ethical FashionConnect with meMili Tharakan:  Linkedin  I  Insta  I  Buy me a coffee  I  Email❤️ Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedbackCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode, host Mili speaks with Bradley Seese,(“The Yarn Geek”), VP of Operations at Clothing 2.0 and a lifelong textile innovator and technical visionary, about the future of medicine-embedded textiles. Learn how Clothing 2.0 is infusing active ingredients like capsaicin (the spicy compound in chili peppers) into yarns to create health-promoting, pain-relieving garments. The conversation spans the science, safety, sustainability, regulatory landscape, and exciting possibilities for smart wearables that do more for our wellbeing—as well as Brad’s passionate journey from North Carolina yarn mills to the frontlines of textile innovation.Key Topics What are medicine-embedded textiles, and how do they work? Capsaicin for pain relief: benefits, science, and use in smart clothing. Sustainability, wash durability, and minimizing waste in health textiles. The challenges and opportunities in bringing textile technology to market. Upskilling and creating new job pathways in US-based manufacturing. Brad’s personal journey and vision for the next wave of smart wearables.Clothing 2.0: WebsiteResources mentioned by Brad:Manufacturing Solutions Center (for textile innovation and workforce training)Advanced Textile AssociationSynthetic Yarn and Fabric AssociationSouthern Textile AssociationSEAMS: The Association for the US Sewn Products IndustryHohenstein Institute: International textile test lab and standards organizationConnect with Mili Tharakan: Website   I   Linkedin   I   Insta   I   Buy me a cofffeeCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode by No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictIn this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, host Mili speaks with Jennifer Droguett Espinosa, a Colombian and Chilean Sustainable Fashion Designer and Creative Director, and the founder of Anciela. Jennifer shares how her early experiences with migration, identity, and upcycling shaped her personal and creative outlook. She discusses her journey from making her own clothes as a child through to studying fashion in Amsterdam, interning with Viktor & Rolf, and building her career and community in London.Jennifer talks about the origins of Anciela, a brand deeply rooted in storytelling, South American folklore, and experimental tailoring, and grounded on the pillars of culture, sustainability, community, and visibility. She details her creative process, how she layers history, literature, music, and personal memory into collections, and the stories behind some of her signature pieces.The conversation covers Anciela’s approach to circularity, including sustainable material choices, zero-waste techniques, refresh and repair services, and pioneering digital product passports for transparency. Jennifer opens up about collaborating with Latinx creatives, working with diaspora charities, and making fashion more accessible through inclusive events and workshops. She reflects on her time with the Fashion District’s Evo Fashion programme and the British Fashion Council’s low-carbon initiative, highlighting the challenges and rewards of growing a purpose-led business.Jennifer concludes with advice on conscious consumption, the importance of small actions, and the need for more brands to center community, inclusivity, and honest storytelling.Anciela:   Website   I   Linkedin   I   InstaMili Tharakan:   Website   I   Linkedin   I   Insta   I   Buy me a coffeeResourcesEvo Fashion - a four-month experiential support programme for emerging brands and fashion technology businesses. It will help you to integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business, taking a holistic approach to business strategy and focusing on supply chain sustainability, ethical working standards, channels to market, and investment readiness. Deadline: 4th August 2025Low Carbon Transition Programme for SMEs report by British Fashion CouncilEllen MacArthurFashion RevolutionThe travels of a T-shirt in the global economy, book by Pietra RivoliOne Hundred Years of Solitude, book by Gabriel García MárquezIf you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback.Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Join host Mili Tharakan as she sits down with Annabel Hought from Round Retail and Yayra Agbofah from The Revival to discuss innovative business models for sustainable fashion, the global crisis of textile waste, and the power of cross-border collaboration. This episode dives into the realities of the secondhand clothing market, the importance of community, and creative solutions for reducing waste while supporting vulnerable communities.Key Takeaways Textile waste is a global problem that requires local and international collaboration. The rise of fast and ultra-fast fashion has led to a flood of low-quality, unsellable garments, overwhelming markets like Kantamanto in Ghana. Innovative business models like Round Retail and The Revival show how fashion can be a force for good. Consumer awareness and action are crucial for driving systemic change in the fashion industry. Consumers can drive change by voting with their money and supporting responsible businesses. Reduce stigma around secondhand fashion and foster a more conscious, circular fashion ecosystem.How to SupportDonate or consign clothes to Round RetailFollow and support The Revival’s ongoing efforts to rebuild Kantamanto market and community in Accra, Ghana - DonateAdvocate for extended producer responsibility and more transparent fashion supply chainsFashion District Festival 2025Fashion District Festival 2025: 3rd - 8th June 2025, Spitalfields, LondonLaunch and performance showcase:  immersive fashion showRebuild and Reimagine with Round Retail:  bring old clothes for creative upcycling sessions.Accelerating Regenerative Fashion: workshopCircular Design Practice: workshopPast and Future fabrics: talksConnect with meMili Tharakan:   Linkedin   I   Insta   I   Website   I Buy me a coffeeIf you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback.Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, host Mili Tharakan is joined by three pioneering voices in sustainable fashion and textiles: Dr. Laetitia Forst (University of the Arts London), Patrick McDowell (designer and founder of Patrick McDowell), and Philippa “Philly” Grogan (Sustainability Manager at Nobody’s Child). Together, they break down the jargon around circular design, and circular business models-exploring why these concepts matter and how the fashion industry can shift from linear to circular ways of thinking and working.What We Cover: What circular design really means in fashion and textiles, and the three core pillars of circularity How circular design is being implemented at different scales-from luxury, made-to-order brands to large high street labels The creative opportunities and technical challenges of designing for recycling, durability, and closed-loop systems How circular business models like rental, repair, and resale are changing the way we use and value clothing The importance of storytelling, emotional durability, and customer engagement in making circularity a behaviour change. The role of emerging technologies, policy, and regulation in accelerating circular innovation ⭐️ Fashion District Festival:  3rd - 8th June 2025, London, UK ⭐️Check out these events and buy your tickets here: Launch and performance showcase Accelerating Regenerative Fashion Circular Design Practice - join our guests for this hands-on workshop Past and Future fabrics💛 Support FLOCC: Help transform Madras lace waste into valuable cotton flock fibre by supporting the FLOCC crowdfunding campaign. Your pledge helps scale sustainable material innovation and keeps textile waste out of landfill. FLOCC Crowdfunder CampaignResources & Further Reading: Circular Design with Next Gen Materials Guidebook – UAL Research Online (Laetitia Forst) Garment Lifecycle Map – Interactive Tool British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion Future Fabrics Expo Centre for Circular Design Try your hand at sewing or repairing a garment-engage with your clothes in a new way!Mili Tharakan:   Linkedin   I   Instagram   I   Website   I   Buy me a coffeeConnect with me: [email protected] art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictGuests: Amy Tsang, Head of Europe at The Mills Fabrica Georgia Parker, Innovation Team at Fashion for Good Helen Lax, Director of Fashion District LondonThis is the 5th in a series of episodes in collaboration with Fashion District - a dynamic hub for fashion innovation in East London, connecting fashion technology, business, and education to support startups with innovation networks, affordable spaces, business guidance, and investment opportunities.This episode of No Ordinary Cloth podcast features an insightful discussion with three prominent ecosystem builders in the fashion and textile industry: Amy Tsang, Georgia Parker and Helen Lax. They delve into the crucial role of ecosystem partners in driving innovation and sustainability within the industry.The conversation covers various aspects of supporting startups, including common challenges faced by innovators, such as funding, scaling production, and navigating the complexities of the fashion industry.The guests highlight the importance of collaboration and alignment among different stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions. They also stress the need for greater alignment with policymakers to drive meaningful change in the industry.The episode explores the role of ecosystem builders in supporting startups through various stages of growth, from incubation to scaling. The guests share insights on impact measurement and the importance of founder wellbeing as well.Looking ahead, the guests envision an even more critical role for ecosystem builders in facilitating industry-wide collaboration, addressing knowledge gaps, and helping stakeholders navigate the complex landscape of innovation and sustainability in fashion and textiles. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes about cherished textile items, highlighting the emotional connections we form with clothing and the potential for long-lasting, quality garments to be passed down through generations.Key Topics Discussed: The role of ecosystem builders in driving innovation in fashion and textiles Common challenges faced by startups in the fashion industry Programs and support offered by The Mills Fabrica, Fashion for Good, and Fashion District London Building successful fashion innovation ecosystems Emerging technologies and trends transforming the fashion industry The importance of collaboration between ecosystem partners Funding and investment opportunities for fashion startups Measuring impact and success in fashion innovationFashion District London  l  Fashion District Festival 2025Fashion for GoodThe Mills FabricaWorld of waste Mili Tharakan: Linkedin   l   Insta   l   Buy me a coffeeContact me: No Ordinary ClothRecommended listening:Ep 18. Investor Insights for Fashion and Textile StartupsEp 12. Strategies and Ecosystems for Fashion / Textile Startup SuccessCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this special episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we're joined by Victoria, the Material Innovation Lead at the World Textile Information Network (WTIN). Victoria shares her insights on the rapidly evolving field of smart textiles, highlighting key innovations and challenges in this industry. We discuss how smart textiles are bridging the gap between textiles, electronics, and computing, and explore emerging trends such as self-powered textiles and bio-based solutions. Victoria also discusses the importance of sustainability and circularity in the smart textile industry.About WTIN: WTIN is a leading provider of specialist insights and data-driven intelligence for businesses across the textiles and power value chain. Their primary focus is on high-growth markets such as material innovation, industry digitalisation, and technical textiles. WTIN operates on a subscription basis, offering a wide range of digital content, including in-depth reports, company profiles, podcasts, and conferences.Key Points: Smart Textiles Database: Victoria discusses her comprehensive smart textile database, which connects companies across the supply chain, from conductive yarns to integrators who help develop commercially viable products. Emerging Trends: We explore emerging trends in smart textiles, including self-powered textiles and bio-based solutions. Collaboration: This episode is a special collaboration with WTIN's Textile Innovation Podcast, welcoming their listeners to our community.World Textile Information Network (WTiN):   Website   l   LinkedinTextile Innovation:   PodcastYou can connect with me here:   Linkedin   l   Insta   l   Buy me a coffeeEmail me: No Ordinary ClothCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictIn this episode, host Mili Tharakan partners with Fashion District London to bring an insightful discussion on securing investment in the textile and fashion industries. Featuring three seasoned venture capitalists—Gabbie Swycher (Redrice Ventures), Joseph Aziz (True Global), and Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures)—the conversation explores what investors look for in startups, actionable advice for founders, and the trends shaping the future of sustainable fashion. Whether you're a founder seeking funding or an industry professional curious about investment dynamics, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Fashion District is a hub for fashion innovation in east London. They connect fashion, technology, business and education to provide an ecosystem of support for fashion and textile startups that includes innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment.Topics covered on this episode: Investor Expectations:The importance of founder resilience, passion, and purpose in early-stage startups.How startups can demonstrate traction, scalability, and market potential to secure funding. Actionable Advice for Founders:Tips for crafting a compelling pitch deck and avoiding common mistakes.How to identify the right investors by researching portfolios, mandates, and value alignment.The significance of building strong networks and understanding your target audience. Sustainability and Circularity:Key factors investors assess when evaluating sustainable innovations in textiles and fashion.The role of regulation, measurable impact, and integration into existing systems in driving investment decisions. Emerging Investment Trends:The rise of circular fashion, re-commerce platforms, traceability technologies, and regulatory-driven opportunities.Insights into the challenges and opportunities in biomaterials and new business models.Meet the Expert Guests: Gabbie Swycher (Redrice Ventures): Principal at Redrice Ventures, specializing in early-stage investments in purpose-driven consumer brands and tech across the UK. Joseph Aziz (True Global): Investor at True Global, focusing on early-stage consumer and retail startups with a robust network of corporate partners to support scaling efforts. Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures): Founder of Spin Ventures, a niche boutique fund dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy through innovative technologies.Resources: Venture Deals by Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson – A guide to understanding venture capital for first-time founders. Waste to Wealth by Peter Lacy – Exploring business models behind circular practices. Estia Ryan's LinkedIn post on newsletters in consumer sustainability spaces.You can connect with me here: Linkedin  I  Insta  I  Buy me a coffeeEmail me: No Ordinary ClothCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Join us on this episode of No Ordinary Cloth as we welcome Madison Maxey, the visionary founder and CEO of Loomia, a pioneering company in e-textiles. Host Mili Tharakan sits down with Maddy to explore her incredible journey from fashion design at Parsons to creating cutting-edge, soft and flexible electronics that are now making way into the automotive and robotics industries.In this episode, Maddy shares her story of resilience, innovation, and the highs and lows of building a business in a challenging industry. Loomia’s breakthrough LEL (Loomia Electronic Layer) technology is helping redefine how we think about integrating electronics with textiles for better electro-mechanical properties but the road hasn’t been easy. With limited funding and market interest in e-textiles, Maddy has successfully built a revenue-generating e-textile startup.For many listeners working in emerging textile technologies, this conversation will resonate deeply. As you work to find that elusive product-market fit, early adopters, and the right market, Maddy’s insights offer a beacon of hope and practical strategies for navigating this complex journey.We dive into the real challenges of turning prototypes into products, and Maddy highlights the role of perseverance and customer obsession in creating a successful business. She also shares career advice for aspiring e-textilers and her vision for the future of this rapidly evolving field. Discover the fascinating intersections of textile, electronics and engineering — and gain invaluable insights on what it takes to make an impact in e-textiles.Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with insights, strategies, mindsets for textile entrepreneurs.Loomia:   Website   I   Samples   I   LinkedinMili Tharakan:   Linkedin   I   Instagram   I   Buy me a coffeeContact me: No Ordinary ClothRecommended listening:Ep 9. Disobebient Fabrics: A Journey in Smart Textiles with Linda WorbinEp 3. Knitting Mathematics and Musical Textiles with Sophie SkachEp 1. Light and Lace with Sara RobertsonCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, I sit down with Nina and Amanda, the brilliant minds behind the Future Fabrics Expo, to dive deep into how they’re revolutionising the textile and fashion industries through an expo that drives sustainability and innovation. The Future Fabrics Expo has become a key platform in the industry, showcasing thousands of sustainable materials and driving discussions around environmental responsibility, circularity, and collaboration across disciplines to drive the change we want to see in the Fashion and Textile industry.We explore the growing need for materials that have a positive impact on both the planet and the people working in the supply chain, and discuss how interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to scaling these innovations. Additionally, we take a hard look at the issue of overproduction and how brands need to rethink their business models to prioritise circularity and reduce waste.Whether you’re a designer, innovator, or sustainability advocate, this episode is packed with insights about the future of sustainable fabrics and why the Future Fabrics Expo is a must-attend event for anyone in the fashion, textile, home and interiors industry.Key Takeaways: The Future Fabrics Expo is not just about showcasing eco-friendly materials—it’s about finding materials that have a net-positive impact on the environment and communities. Cross-industry collaboration is vital for the future of fashion. Partnerships between designers, scientists, and manufacturers are driving textile innovations forward. The fashion industry must address overproduction and overconsumption by adopting circular business models and focusing on sustainable growth.Highlights: The origins of the Future Fabrics Expo and how it grew into one of the most anticipated events in the sustainable fashion calendar. Why materials with regenerative qualities are crucial for the future of the textile industry. The role of collaboration between fashion designers, material scientists, and sustainability experts in creating scalable solutions. The challenges and opportunities that come with shifting toward more sustainable practices in fashion, including circularity and on-demand manufacturing. A preview of what to expect at the Future Fabrics Expo in New York, happening on November 19th and 20th, 2024. Hear from attendees and exhibitors about their experience at the Future Fabrics Expo London 2024Join me on my journey to craft the future of this podcast. I would love to hear your feedback and ideas for the podcast. Get in touch with me here: Contact me The Sustainable Angle:  Website   I   Linkedin   I   InstagramFuture Fabrics Expo NYC Edition, November 19 - 20th, 2024. Register hereSeminar Series 2024: Listen hereNo Ordinary Cloth:   Website   I   Linkedin   I   Instagram   I   Buy me a coffeeCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictIn this episode of the 'No Ordinary Cloth Podcast', we have Brett Cotten, co-founder of Arda Biomaterials, in discussion about their innovative leather alternative, New Grain made from the spent grain waste from breweries. Brett shares the establishment journey of Arda, from its founding in 2022, its recognition among Forbes 30 Under 30 and H&M's Global Change Award, to entering the competitive market with a sustainable solution.He elaborates on his motivations for starting Arda, his educational background, and the concept of turning pain points into purposes, as described in his book 'Gene Trepeneur'.The conversation extends to the complex challenges faced in the traditional leather industry, the innovative process behind New Grain, collaborative efforts with breweries, and insights from various accelerator programs.Key highlights include: Turning a pain point into purpose and highlights from his book Gene-trepreneur The animal and plastic leather industry’s impact on the environment New grain technology and process to turn spent grain into bio-leather Challenges of material durability, scaling production of biomaterials, and the promising future of biomaterials in replacing conventional leather and beyond Investor relations and challenges Arda’s future material roadmapGrab a cold beer, or your favourite drink, and get comfortable to learn all about taking waste from the craft beer industry and making it into gorgeous leather.This is the third in a series of 6 episodes in collaboration with Fashion District, who are creating a hub for fashion innovation in east London. They connect fashion, technology, business and education to provide an ecosystem of support for fashion and textile startups that includes innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment.Accelerator resources: Entrepreneur First    I   Tech Nation   I   Carbon13   I   Creative Destruction LabConnect with Arda Biomaterials: Website   I   Linkedin   I   Instagram Book: Gene-treprenuer: Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset in STEM to Impact Sutainaibility Connect with Fashion District: Website   I   InstagramConnect with Mili Tharakan: Website   I   Linkedin   I   Instagram   I   Buy me a coffeeEmail: [email protected] surveyCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictIn this episode of the No Ordinary Cloth podcast, we chat with David Prior Hope (CTO) and Idan Gal-Shohet (CEO), founders of Fibe, a pioneering company converting potato harvest waste into sustainable cotton-like textile fibres. Fibe was born out of  a final year Masters project at Imperial College, London, aiming to turn agricultural waste into usable materials. Their innovative approach focuses on creating fibres from potato stems, which mimic cotton's feel and function while being more sustainable and cost-effective. Here, they share about collaborating with agricultural institutes and industry giants like Grimme and McCain, to build a promising startup in just two years that has secured funding from the likes of Patagonia’s Tin Shed Ventures, emphasising their impactful vision to develop a solution that can truly impact the textile industry. They enthusiastically share about their feedstock agnostic technology and the power of storytelling in building a startup.It wasn't an easy journey, they reflect on their early days working out of a shipping container and how thrilled they were to get just GBP3000 to get their university project off the ground.The conversation is inspiring and reflects their ambitions for the company to scale up by 2027, and integrate their fibres into existing textile manufacturing processes seamlessly. David and Idan encourage brands and stakeholders to support early-stage innovations, highlighting the transformative potential of such collaborations. Listen to them share about how they overcame challenges faced in finding funding to continue their R&D and scale their technology, their partnerships with potato farmers and fashion brands, the secret powers of being a student and how they manage a work-life balance while building an early stage startup.Fibe is the winner of the Fashion District Manufacturing Futures Award for Innovation in 2024.Get ready to gain a whole new level of respect for potatoes after this episode!This is the second in a series of 6 episodes in collaboration with Fashion District, who are creating a hub for fashion innovation in east London. They connect fashion, technology, business and education to provide an ecosystem of support for fashion and textile startups that includes innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment.Connect with Fibe: website   I   Instagram   I   LinkedinConnect with Fashion District: website   I   InstagramConnect with Mili Tharakan:   website   I Instagram   I   Linkedin   I   Buy me a [email protected] survey linkCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode of the No Ordinary Cloth podcast, Beth Esponnette, the co-founder of Unspun, shares her groundbreaking innovation in 3D weaving technology that creates garments in a single, seamless piece, revolutionising fashion manufacturing and disrupting the current supply chain. Beth discusses her journey from an assistant professor to a pioneer and founder of Unspun, her challenges in scaling micro factories, and the leadership lessons she learned while captaining Cornell’s Nordic Ski team.She emphasises the importance of transitioning from linear to circular life cycles to address sustainability, reduce overproduction, and the environmental impact of materials like polyester. Beth draws inspiration from influential thinkers and delves deep into the technical aspects, showcasing a visionary approach to rethinking the supply chain in the textile industry. Listen in to discover how creativity and cutting-edge technology can reshape fashion manufacturing for a more sustainable future.Beth is fascinated by science and art, especially where they intersect: design. She earned her MFA in Design from Stanford University before serving as Assistant Professor of Product Design at the University of Oregon.Beth has been recognised for her work by Vogue Business 100 Innovators, MIT Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35, and Adweek Sustainability Stars. Unspun has been recognized by TIME with a Best Invention award twice.Connect with UnspunUnspun website   I   Shop for custom fit jeans   I   InstagramResourcesEdward O Wilson   I   BooksNeri OxmanSapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah HarariConnect with Mili [email protected]   I   LinkedIn   I   Instagram   I   Podcast survey linkYour support means the world to me! If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying me a coffeeCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion DistrictThis is the first in a series of 6 episodes in collaboration with Fashion District, who are creating a hub for fashion innovation in east London. They connect fashion, technology, business and education to provide an ecosystem of support for fashion and textile startups that includes innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment.In this episode, Jim Ajioka (Colorifix), Helene Steiner (OpenCell), and Brooke Roberts-Islam (Techstyler) share their unique journeys and insights about navigating the intersections of science, fashion, and innovation. They discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the challenges of transitioning from different fields, the necessity of understanding your industry's demand, and the crucial role of marketing and customer discovery. The conversation also covers the significance of personal well-being for founders, highlighting self-care as a critical, yet often overlooked aspect of sustaining a startup. The episode wraps up with valuable insights into the resources and strategies that help startups thrive.Brooke Roberts-Islam is the founder of Techstyler, a consultancy that focuses on providing intelligence to guide sustainability decision-making in the fashion and textile industries. She is also a senior sustainability contributor at Forbes, where she provides in-depth analysis and reporting on sustainable fashion initiatives. She is an award winning knitwear designer and has extensive experience in product development with various brands, including QASIMI, LVMH, and Solace London.Helene Steiner is a design engineer that works at the intersection of technology and science. She co-founded Open Cell, providing affordable lab space for biotech startups. She has supported over 100 startups since 2018 and has a rich background in research at Microsoft and MIT Media Lab. She has received numerous awards and her work has been exhibited globally including at the Centre Pompidou, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna.Jim Ajioka is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge and along with Orr Yarkoni co-founded Colorifix, a startup revolutionizing textile dyeing with sustainable processes. The use microbes to produce, deposit and fix pigments on fabrics, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals and reducing water usage during dyeing. Colorifix has collaborated with major fashion brands like H&M, Pangaia, and Stella McCartney. They have raised a Series B round and is moving towards scaling up their solution.Mili Tharakan: Linkedin I SurveyOther resources: Fashion District I Fashion for Good I The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA) I The Mills Fabrica I  Steve Blank’s resourcesYour support means the world to me! If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying me a coffeeCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash I Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode of the No Ordinary Cloth Podcast, we speak with Vibeke Vestby, the inventor of the first-ever digital jacquard handloom.She share about her passion for weaving as a child, her impatience with traditional looms and a trip to Italy that was pivotal in reimagining the 200 year old jacquard loom. Vibeke recounts her early inspiration, the technical evolution of the loom, and the collaborative process with the engineering company Tronrud, to bring her vision to life. Her persistence and determination results in the remarkable TC2 Digital Jacquard handloom.Join us as Vibeke goes from teaching prisoners weaving to wanting to weave clouds and peonies and  making a loom that will enable her and others to use the jacquard loom like a sketch book to quickly translate ideas and be a catalyst for creativity.Vibeke also discusses her personal life, including how she became a trained pilot, and the importance of teamwork and curiosity in her groundbreaking work.Tune in to learn how the TC2 digital loom, a symbol of potential, is revolutionising and democratising hand weaving, driving forward the ever-evolving ingenuity in textile weaving.Connect with Vibeke Vestby and her teamDigital Weaving NorwayInsta:  @digitalweavingnorwayConnect with Mili [email protected]: @noordinaryclothLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, OrchestramanPodcast survey linkTimestamp:00:00:04: Introduction to the episode00:00:28: Introduction to the main topic - The Loom00:00:59: Introduction of the guest - Vibeke Vestby00:04:49: Vibeke's passion for weaving and her early career00:10:08: Vibeke's teaching experience in Norway's only prison for females00:11:26: Vibeke's career at the College of Art and Design00:11:36: Development of the first Weave Planner programme00:12:12: Vibeke's learnings and experience at Silk Art Foundation in Lisio, Florence00:15:04: The history of the Jacquard loom and its evolution00:19:12: How the Jacquard loom revolutionised weaving00:22:42: Vibeke's journey to creating the digital Jacquard handloom00:23:13: Initial Challenges and Realisation00:24:33: Funding and the First Prototype00:28:29: The Difficulties of Bringing the Loom to Market00:31:15: The Loom and its Scaleability00:33:56: Market Adaptation and Customer Response00:44:42: The Loom as a Tool for Generating Ideas00:46:27: Vibeke's Background00:49:05: Discussion on Traditional Norwegian Costumes00:52:04: Vibeke's Interest in Flying and Pilot Training00:57:56: Outlook on the Future of Creative Weaving00:59:00: Current Projects and Interests01:03:01: Host's Reflections and Takeaways from the Conversation

Welcome to the No Ordinary Cloth podcast, where we stitch together a tapestry of textile innovations one episode at a time. Today, we're joined by Linda Worbin, a pioneer in Smart Textiles. Join us as we explore the past, present, and future of this dynamic industry.Linda Worbin, a Material and Innovation Developer based in Sweden, brings a wealth of experience to our conversation. With her background as a former professor at the Swedish School of Textiles and a visionary in the industry, Linda's journey spans over two decades of exploration and development in Smart Textiles, and offers valuable insights into the evolution of Smart Textiles.In this episode, Linda reflects on her journey from academia to industry, sharing insights that have shaped the field and inspired many to follow in her footsteps. From dynamic textile patterns to the importance of collaborations, Linda's perspective provides a roadmap for future advancements.Smart textiles, or e-textiles, offer intriguing functionalities that vastly differ from conventional textiles. Imagine fabrics that respond to environmental changes, altering colour or texture in real-time, or clothing that monitors vital signs and alerts you to potential risks. These innovations not only redefine our wardrobes but also revolutionise our everyday lives.Episode Highlights: Linda's journey from academia to industry. Insights into dynamic textile patterns and collaborations. Equipping the next generation of textile makers The mindset of a pioneer in Smart Textiles. Linda’s life and influencesJoin us as we follow the footsteps of someone who envisions the future of fabrics —a future where innovation knows no bounds and an ordinary cloth becomes a canvas for extraordinary possibilities. This is the No Ordinary Cloth podcast.Connect with Mili [email protected]: @noordinaryclothLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Welcome to the No Ordinary Cloth podcast, where we stitch together a tapestry of textile innovations one episode at a time. Today, we're joined by Linda Worbin, a pioneer in Smart Textiles. Join us as we explore the past, present, and future of this dynamic industry.Linda Worbin, a Material and Innovation Developer based in Sweden, brings a wealth of experience to our conversation. With her background as a former professor at the Swedish School of Textiles and a visionary in the industry, Linda's journey spans over two decades of exploration and development in Smart Textiles, and offers valuable insights into the evolution of Smart Textiles.In this episode, Linda reflects on her journey from academia to industry, sharing insights that have shaped the field and inspired many to follow in her footsteps. From dynamic textile patterns to the importance of collaborations, Linda's perspective provides a roadmap for future advancements.Smart textiles, or e-textiles, offer intriguing functionalities that vastly differ from conventional textiles. Imagine fabrics that respond to environmental changes, altering colour or texture in real-time, or clothing that monitors vital signs and alerts you to potential risks. These innovations not only redefine our wardrobes but also revolutionise our everyday lives.Join us as we follow the footsteps of someone who envisions the future of fabrics.Episode Highlights: Linda's journey from academia to industry Insights into dynamic textile patterns and the need for collaborations Preparing the next generation of textile makers The mindset of a pioneer in Smart Textiles Linda’s life and influencesJoin us as we weave the future together—a future where innovation knows no bounds and an ordinary cloth becomes a canvas for extraordinary possibilities. This is the No Ordinary Cloth podcast.Connect with Mili [email protected]: @noordinaryclothLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

🎉  In this episode as we celebrate Women’s Day in March 2024, we have a very special guest - Prof. Sohini Kar-Narayan, a leading material scientist and nanotechnology expert from the University of Cambridge, sharing with us about her passion for science and her work with nano materials for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing technology, and it’s potential for smart textiles and wearables.🧪 This is also the story about a young girl who wanted to invent something and went on to become, among many things, one of the Top 50 Influential Women in Engineering in 2021. She was the recipient of the World Economic Forum Young Scientist Award in 2015, the Peter Day Award in 2023 and many other prestigious awards over the years. You can find out more about this on her Wiki page.👩🏽‍🔬  Here, Sohini shares some of the challenges she faced as a woman navigating a career in academia in Science. From her position of leadership today, she is keen to encourage more people to explore science and gives valuable insights for others, especially women, who might be considering a career in these areas.📍 Sohini not only invented many thing but is using one of her invention to transform the effectiveness of hip surgeries with the force-sensing technology in her startup ArtioSense so learn more about this here as well. She also candidly shares about navigating the world of start ups, the new skills she has had to pick up compared to her life as an academic researcher. I have been there and I know this is a difficult transition so if you are in a similar place, do join us to learn more from Sohini.If you are interested to learn more about Sohini's research and startup, please check out the links below:University of Cambridge - ResearchResearch LabArtiosense - force sensing technology startupConnect with Mili Tharakan⭐️ Podcast survey [email protected]: @noordinaryclothLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Welcome to this special mini episode of the No Ordinary Cloth podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of textiles and fashion and the innovative minds shaping its future. Today, we're spotlighting the Manufacturing Futures 2024 - Innovation Challenge, a pivotal event for UK-based startups and SMEs in the fashion industry. There is some exciting news to share, do listen in to the end of the episode.Here's what we cover in this episode:Details about the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge 2024 competition and what the winner can expect as prize money and supportYou will also get some insights from the judges themselves - what is important to them, what they are looking for in the applications, tips. This will give you hopefully help prepare your application.Jen Keane from Modern Synthesis, winners of a previous Manufacturing Futures competition, will be sharing about her startup that makes biomaterials and about their collaborating with GANNI to develop the Bou bag using nano cellulose materials made by bacteria.This episode not only highlights the Manufacturing Futures Innovation Challenge but also serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and the importance of community in shaping the future of fashion. Whether you're directly involved in the fashion industry or simply passionate about innovation and sustainability, this challenge represents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.Manufacturing Futures 2024  - find out all the details about the challenge hereFashion DistrictInstagram: @fd_ldn Twitter/X: @fd_ldn LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/fdldnModern SynthesisLink to survey  - would deeply appreciate your feedback, it will only take a couple of minutesConnect with Mili [email protected]: @noordinaryclothLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

On this episode of the 'No Ordinary Cloth' podcast, we welcome Gilberto Loureiro, the co-founder and CEO of Smartex, an innovative startup leveraging AI and machine learning to transform the textile industry and modernise it's factories.Gilberto draws upon his life experiences, growing up in a family where everyone worked in the textile business and witnessing the substantial wastage and outdated practices in factories. This became his motivation to set up Smartex - a company building an eco-system of solutions to bring textile factories into the 21st century, eliminate waste, and enhance traceability and sustainability. They are truly revolutionising and shaping the future of textile factories.He talks about the challenges faced by startups and shares lots of valuable resources and advice for others who might be building a startup. He highlights the importance of mentors, being humble and enjoying the work that you do to be successful.Furthermore, Gilberto elaborates on the sector's future, identifying technology, shorter orders, increased automation, and reduced human dependence as primary factors leading the charge. Our discussion unpacks the enormous potential AI and machine learning hold for not just improving efficiencies but also for combating the significant sustainability issues within the textile industry.SmartexModern Textile Factory reportConnect with Mili [email protected]: @noordinaryclothPodcast survey linkCover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on UnsplashMusic: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

In this episode of The No Ordinary Cloth Podcast, we hear from Mika Satomi - an exceptional artist and maker whose artistic approach transcends mediums. She skilfully blends traditional and modern, digital and manual techniques and materials to convey powerful narratives. She is as proficient in weaving and crocheting as she is in programming and electronics and so many other techniques. Here she shares about her approach to learning new skills and deepening her existing ones.She is known as a pioneer in the E-textiles community and most people would know her through Kobakant - How to get what you want - a resource for e-textile materials and techniques, that she and Hannah Perner-Wilson built. But Today, Mika joins us to discuss her latest project, Indigo Hyphae, a reflection on the topic of human migration. She explores traditional Japanese katazome techniques along with indigo dyeing techniques, going totally analogue this time, marking a shift from her usual e-textiles work.Mika shares about her experience of teaching at art universities, her collaboration with Hannah Perner-Wilson, and their project Kobakant. She also touches on the role and responsibility we have as makers and the impact it has on the world. This discussion will leave you contemplative of your own practise and skills.Join us as we explore the journey of this pioneering, deeply creative and thought provoking artist. Podcast feedback surveyMika Satomi's worksMika Satomi websiteIndigo Hyphea projectIndigo Hyphae mapZeug Farberai - Indigo dyeing studioKobakant - How to get what you wantConnect with Mili [email protected]: @noordinaryclothTime stamp of episode: 00:19 Getting to Know Mika Satomi 05:17 Introduction to the Indigo Hyphae Project 07:31 The Concept and Inspiration Behind Indigo Hyphae 10:05 The Process and Techniques of Indigo Hyphae 20:26 Reflections on Craftsmanship and Skill Acquisition 34:43 Exploring E-Textiles 36:05 The Impact of Collaboration and Kobakant 43:40 The Responsibility of Designers 48:17 The Impact of Teaching on Personal Growth 01:02:14 Reflections on the Interview

Whether you are a textile designer, biologist, engineer, architect, fashion designer, material scientist or a curious maker - we all need to come together to innovate and solve challenges the world is facing today.On this episode our guest speaker Anastasia Pistofidou has done just that - she has created an ecosystem that brings together diverse expertise to explore textiles and solve some of these challenges.Trained as an architect, Anastasia meanders into the world of textiles through soft architecture, where she began to take knowledge and tools from her architectural background and apply them to the textile field to create new materials and ideas. She is a passionate educator and maker at heart. Anastasia's story is about the merging of creativity, sustainability, and technological advancement inspiring a new wave of textile education and industry practices.With a mission to make science more accessible to everyone, she co-founded the open-source educational program, Fabricademy, where students from diverse walks of life (and aged anywhere between 16-65) come together to learn and innovate at the intersection of textiles, biology and digital fabrication. All are welcome to this program that fosters community engagement, promote peer-to-peer learning and collaborations worldwide. What you learn here is beyond conventional fashion education, it breeds new knowledge, equipping learners to challenge the fast-fashion industry's status quo.Listen in as Anastasia highlights the 3 key skills she hopes her students would take away to drive an innovative and sustainable career, and sheds light on the future of education and what she would do if she had a magic wand.Anastasia also discusses her views on AI, it’s role in creating and collaborating, as well as her current projects and provides a range of resources on emerging textiles for further learning and inspiration. Find the links below to some of these fabulous resources.If you would like to get your hands messy and explore emerging textile fields such as e-textiles, bio-fabrication of materials, soft robotics, digital fabrication, wearables, skin electronics, check out  Fabricademy program and start exploring today.Fabricademy websiteProgram - course infoInsta - @fabricademyResources:Entangled Life bookWhy Materials Matter bookBiofabrication: From Fungi to Fashion podcastNext Generation Material podcastAbstract: The Art of Design Netflix seriesLife in Colour Netflix seriesEllen McArthur Foundation - Circular EconomyConnect with Mili Tharakan:[email protected]: @noordinarycloth

Whether you love or hate mathematics, you are going to enjoy listening to this episode.In this interview, Sophie Skach, a fashion designer and researcher, discusses her passion for interweaving the world of textiles with mathematics and technology, and her unique approach to creating catwalk collections and PhD research projects. She shares her journey on how she uses textiles as a medium to demystify mathematics and communicate complex mathematical concepts through her textile and fashion pieces.Dive into Sophie’s world to learn about mathematical fashion and uncover the complex yet whimsical projects she shares with us. Get behind the scene insights about projects such as “No Input Textiles” (where textiles are used as musical interfaces), “Talking Jumpers” and “Whistling Jacket”.Sophie explains the human-centric computing approach she adopted during her PhD, through the creation of sensor-equipped garments, and the relationship between fashion and social computing.She challenges us, the listener, to embrace curiosity in a cross-disciplinary approach to design and learning. Listen in and find out how her curiosity about a mathematician, who shared the same birthday as her, influenced and shaped her career.Resources:Designing with Smart TextilesSmart Textiles for DesignersKobakantSixty Symbols: videosConnect with Mili Tharakan:[email protected]://instagram.com/noordinarycloth/Connect with Sophie Skach:Website: www.sophieskach.comYoutube videos of No Input Textiles and other worksInstagram: @SophieSkachTwitter: @SophieSkachGoogle Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wPQ5wvwAAAAJ

Who doesn’t love a beautiful leather jacket or bag. Sadly, the leather industry’s high water and chemical waste from the tanning process is extremely polluting. And faux leather is made from polyurethane and plastics. So can we ever use leather products without feeling guilty?Join me as I find out from Daniela Rondinone, the Business and Operations Manager at Biophilica, all about alternative leather that is plastic free and recyclable. Learn about how autumn leaves are transformed into leather that seems to bring the best of both natural and faux leather industries together into one perfect solution.Daniela also highlights the qualities and skills you need to be a textile researcher and innovator. Find out more hereTreeKind at Biophilica:https://www.biophilica.co.uk/treekindDaniela Rondinone:https://daniela.rondinone.info/[email protected] with Mili Tharakan:[email protected]: @noordinarycloth

Sara Robertson is a smart textile maker and researcher who has been exploring different ways to translate concepts of change and movement in nature through her beautiful textile creation over the last 20 years. Join me as I speak with Sara about her journey from a young artist to a leading smart textiles researcher. Learn about how she is making lace with light - these are absolutely exquisite textiles, and what has influenced her creative process. Find out her plans for the future and what it takes to be a researcher at the cutting edge of the industry.Connect with Sara Robertson and check out her latest work:www.smarttextile.designInsta: @smarttextiledesignTwitter: @saraplussarahConnect with Mili Tharakan:[email protected]: @noordinarycloth

The future of Textile awaits and we are stitching it together one episode at a time....Join me in this podcast  series to learn and be inspired by all the incredible textiles that is radically changing the very landscape of fabrics as we know it. Whether you are an expert in the field or just curious about textiles and fashion, this podcast will capture your imagination and give you a glimpse into the future of Textiles.Please subscribe to this podcast and listen in as I bring you the best and brightest minds from the industry and shed light into their world and works. Connect with Mili Tharakan:[email protected]: @noordinarycloth