I have been in the fashion industry for over 20 years, and though it is a constant recycling of thoughts and ideas, I still find myself amazed at some of the creative and innovative designs, wearable textile goods, and fashion trends that evolve from the minds of men and women around the world. One such imaginative concept combining both technology and fashion, is sonic fabric.
Sonic fabric was first introduced to the textile goods industry in the early part of Y2k by a Brooklyn based artist named Alyce Santoro who was inspired by both the use of small strands of cassette tape as wind indicators on sailboats, and by Tibetan prayer flags inscribed with wind activated affirmations and blessings still in use today. The end result, a recyclable material that one can not only wear, but listen to as well! Yes, this unique blend of 50% recycled pre-recorded audio tape and 50% cotton (or polyester) contains multiple strands of sound that when brushed over with a cassette tape head, can actually play music or whatever was captured in the creation process by its designer. When asked how this is even possible, Alyce explained how the tape retains its magnetic quality throughout the weaving / manufacturing process and is therefore able to replay a somewhat scratchy, yet none-the-less, audible version of whatever was recorded onto the tape. Imagine the many ways this concept can be expounded on and marketed, especially in the times we are living in where many consumers are looking for more eco-friendly, holistic, green ways of living. Garments, bedding, and home accent pieces made from sonic fabric that has been infused with healing sounds, affirming mantras, or simply your favorite artist, could have a powerful and harmonizing effect on not only your person, but your environment as well. 
At J&O, where fabric is our passion, discovering and sharing news worthy fabric ideas and creations is what we live for. Whether its origins lie within our four walls, or just outside. As more and more individuals nurture their creativity, we will continue to see new and innovative concepts revolutionize not only the fashion textile industry, but the world as a whole.
To view some other innovative, eco-friendly, and new fabrics on the market and in our store, just click on the links.
Bamboo fabric
Sea-cell fabric
new fabric
Posts by J&O Fabric Store
Labels: alyce-santoro, audible-fabric, designtex, eco-friendly-fabric, jon-fishman, phish, recycled goods, sonic-fabric, woven-fabric
Have you ever been to a clothing swap? If you haven't you are really missing out on not only some great fun, but some great finds.
I was invited to my first one from a girlfriend of mine who shops at a private design boutique called
Simply Netfah. It is a specialty boutique that carries beautiful wholistic clothing and accessories for women and every spring they hold a gathering at their place where invited clients gather among good food and good company, to exchange old and unwanted articles of clothing from their closets for new ones. It is the boutique owner's way of giving back to Mother Earth through the encouragement of clothing recycling and sustaining her community through barter exchange.
It was a Sunday afternoon, and when my girlfriend and I got there, it was packed! Women from around the city had come to not only discover hidden treasures on the racks of wore-only-once and what-was-i-thinking fashions, but to unload their haute couture filled closets to make room for more. It was a smorgasbord of 'oooh's' and 'aaahs' as we both hung our once trendy give aways up for interested viewers.
By the end of the afternoon, I had found a beautiful white Ashro convertible Goddess Dress, a pair of Steve Madden beaded leather flip flops and three Simply Netfah designer's cut originals, all for the price of, well, you guessed it...
FREE! One woman's trash really IS another woman's treasure. By recycling old clothing I saved time from having to shop all over town which reduced the cost of gas fare on my pocket and fuel pollution in the air, I reduced the need for manufacturers to use up more natural resources to make new garments, and I saved a whole lot of money too. Who would have thought helping to save the planet would be so much fun!
So, gather your friends and family and hold your own clothing exchange, or hop on the world wide web to see how you can play your part in making the place we call home a healthier and more sustainable place for all Earth's creatures. I guarantee it will be worth it.
Check out our selection of organic Bermuda bamboo fabric here!Check out our selection of soft kona cotton here!Check out our selection of new sea-tiva fabric here!Posts by J&O
Fabrics StoreLabels: eco-friendly, eco-friendly-fabric, economical, frugal, kona-cotton, organic-cotton, organic-fabric, organic-materials, recycled goods, seacell, seacell-fabric, unconventional