Stella McCartney has presented the world’s first clothing piece made from Radiant Matter’s plant-based, plastic-free sequins, named “BioSequins”. These new sequins, created by Radiant Matter, are made from plant-based cellulose, without any metals, minerals, synthetic pigments, or colorants, and are biodegradable and non-toxic. 

McCartney utilized the “BioSequins” to design an exclusive sleeveless, fitted all-in-one jumpsuit handmade at the brand’s atelier in London for model Cara Delevingne to wear on the cover of the April 2023 issue of American Vogue. Although the BioSequin Stella McCartney jumpsuit is not yet available to the public, the fashion brand intends to display the potential of Radiant Matter’s material innovation, with its aim to use only recycled, recyclable, and biobased alternatives in the future. Conventional sequins are usually made of polyester film (Mylar) or vinyl (PVC) and contain a high percentage of petroleum plastic, toxic coatings, or metallized parts. 

“I am amazed by the iridescent beauty of our BioSequin all-in-one — handcrafted in my London atelier from plant-derived, non-toxic sequins that are even more stunning than conventional options,” said McCartney in a press release. “Who says sustainability can’t be sexy?”

The fashion industry contributes greatly to the world’s plastic problem, with 70 million barrels of oil used annually to manufacture polyester. The European Environment Agency states that 35% of microplastics released into the oceans come from synthetic clothing, and Oxfam reports that 33 million sequinned clothing pieces are purchased by British women each festive season, with 1.7 million discarded after only five wears.