# Vegetation-Based Textile Experiments Aniela Hoitink Used Mycelium to Create The Neffa Dress By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-04-03 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/textile-experiments References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2016/04/01/aniela-hoitink-neffa-dress-mushroom-mycelium-textile-materials-fashion/) & [neffa.nl](https://neffa.nl/portfolio/mycotex/) Through the willingness of designers to conduct vigorous textile experiments, the fashion industry is able to maintain a steady course toward innovation. As many creatives are turning to [biodegradable materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi) for construction, Dutch fashion designer Aniela Hoitink utilizes [mushroom mycelium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycelium-muse) to deconstruct traditional methods of textile use. The material that Hoitink uses for her innovative 'Neffa' dress, is the "vegetative part of a fungus or a fungus-like colony". By conducting these textile experiments, the designer aims to create a garment out of a living product and, hopefully, "change the way [people] use textiles." After trial and error, Aniela Hoitink is able to develop a mycelium-based material that retains its shape and offers flexibility, without the use of synthetics or any additional materials. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Biodegradable Materials:** Exploring the use of biodegradable materials in textiles can disrupt traditional methods of textile use and create more sustainable fashion options. - **Mycelium-based Textiles:** Developing textiles using mushroom mycelium as a base material can create innovative garments that are flexible, durable, and eco-friendly. - **Living Products in Fashion:** Creating garments from living materials offers the opportunity to change the way textiles are used and opens up possibilities for biodegradable and sustainable fashion. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can embrace the use of biodegradable materials and mycelium-based textiles to create more sustainable and eco-friendly clothing options. - **Material Science:** Exploring the properties and potential applications of mycelium-based materials can lead to disruptive innovation in the field of material science. - **Sustainability:** Incorporating biodegradable materials and living products in fashion can contribute to the development of more sustainable practices and industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bio-Leather Fungal Protectants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungal-coating.md) - [Mycelium-Based Artful Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ephemeral-table.md) - [Furry Mycelium Sustainable Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aifunghi.md) - [Grown Microbial-Woven Fabrics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-fabric.md) - [Luxury Mycelium Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stella-mccartney-frayme-mylo.md) - [Mycelium Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myco-travel-pouch.md) - [Mycellium Material Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycelium-muse.md) - [Sustainable Design Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi.md) - [Mushroom Leather Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-leather-seating.md)