A next-gen plastic alternative, for embroidery application in the luxury fashion market. Made in India
Bequin is a lightweight sheet material with lustre and gloss, derived from ocean bio-abundant resources, such as red seaweed and algae.
Sheets can be machine cut and applied by hand. Its colours, thickness and pliability can be customised as required.
When formulated as a pliable material, it can be manipulated with undulations to create 3D relief and softly reflect light.
Bequin aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the sequin manufacturing process, and by extension the embroidery development process, by eliminating the need for raw materials to be imported.
Bequin aims to work with local communities and provide them with alternate revenue streams by both procuring raw 'waste' materials directly from them and by working with them in a low tech manufacturing process.
A work in progress
This project kicked off as part of the New Landscapes India Catalyst R&D Grant Scheme, in partnership with:
University of the Arts, Fashion Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI, UAL) and the British Council, supporting new ideas for the future of sustainable fashion, textiles and related technology.
Vashisththa Luxury Fashion Ltd were the embroidery partner, bringing their experience, craft and skills and providing invaluable rigorous application testing of the sheet materials.
