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

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: Website [https://www.clothing2.com/] Resources mentioned by Brad: Manufacturing Solutions Center [https://www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org/] (for textile innovation and workforce training) Advanced Textile Association [https://www.textiles.org/] Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association [https://www.thesyfa.org/] Southern Textile Association [https://www.southerntextile.org/] SEAMS: The Association for the US Sewn Products Industry [https://seams.org/] Hohenstein Institute [https://www.hohenstein.com/en/]: International textile test lab and standards organization Connect with Mili Tharakan: Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] I Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] I Buy me a cofffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Join host Mili Tharakan as she sits down with Annabel Hought from Round Retail [https://www.roundretail.co.uk/] and Yayra Agbofah from The Revival [https://www.therevival.earth/] 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 Support Donate or consign clothes to Round Retail [https://www.roundretail.co.uk/pages/donate] Follow and support The Revival's ongoing efforts to rebuild Kantamanto market and community in Accra, Ghana - Donate [https://www.therevival.earth/] Advocate for extended producer responsibility and more transparent fashion supply chains Fashion District Festival 2025 Fashion District Festival 2025 [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/fashion-district-festival-2025/]: 3rd - 8th June 2025, Spitalfields, London Launch and performance showcase [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/fashion-district-festival-showcase-2/]: immersive fashion show Rebuild and Reimagine with Round Retail [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/rebuild-and-reimagine-with-round-retail/]: bring old clothes for creative upcycling sessions. Accelerating Regenerative Fashion [http://fashion-district.co.uk/festival/accelerating-regenerative-fashion/]: workshop Circular Design Practice [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/circular-design-practice/]: workshop Past and Future fabrics [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/past-future-fabrics/]: talks Connect with me Mili Tharakan: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] I Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] I Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] 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 Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District Guests: * Amy Tsang, Head of Europe at The Mills Fabrica * Georgia Parker, Innovation Team at Fashion for Good * Helen Lax, Director of Fashion District London This 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 innovation Fashion District London [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/] l Fashion District Festival 2025 [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/fashion-district-festival-2025-2/] Fashion for Good [https://www.fashionforgood.com/] The Mills Fabrica [https://www.themillsfabrica.com/] World of waste [https://www.worldofwaste.co/] Mili Tharakan: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] l Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] l Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Contact me: No Ordinary Cloth [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] Recommended listening: Ep 18. Investor Insights for Fashion and Textile Startups Ep 12. Strategies and Ecosystems for Fashion / Textile Startup Success Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District In 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: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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 [https://www.redriceventures.com/]): Principal at Redrice Ventures, specializing in early-stage investments in purpose-driven consumer brands and tech across the UK. * Joseph Aziz (True Global [https://www.true.global/about/]): 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 [https://spin.vc/]): Founder of Spin Ventures, a niche boutique fund dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy through innovative technologies. Resources: * Venture Deals [https://www.venturedeals.com/] by Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson – A guide to understanding venture capital for first-time founders. * Waste to Wealth [https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781137530684?gC=5a105e8b&gad_source=4&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zrsSli_3R5Z3B5V6g61MhCTkThNpLWvGjxJfRUU9F_slnEX5qyYJfRoC9T0QAvD_BwE] by Peter Lacy – Exploring business models behind circular practices. * Estia Ryan's [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/estia-ryan_as-we-settle-in-to-2025-im-sharing-a-few-activity-7283469642960928768-lk8H/] LinkedIn post on newsletters in consumer sustainability spaces. You can connect with me here: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] I Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Email me: No Ordinary Cloth [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: 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: 1. 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. 2. Cross-industry collaboration is vital for the future of fashion. Partnerships between designers, scientists, and manufacturers are driving textile innovations forward. 3. 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 2024 Join 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 [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8] The Sustainable Angle: Website [https://2ly.link/1zz9Z] I Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesustainableangle/] I Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesustainableangle/] Future Fabrics Expo NYC Edition, November 19 - 20th, 2024. Register here [https://2ly.link/1zz9Z] Seminar Series 2024: Listen here [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuUGJrLBVT1BmVdXh8Kb5Y7IReXAwYz3N] No Ordinary Cloth: Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] I Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] I Buy me a coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District In 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 [https://www.fibe.uk/] I Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fibe.uk] I Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fibeuk/?originalSubdomain=uk] Connect with Fashion District: website [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/] I Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fd_ldn] Connect with Mili Tharakan: website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] I Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] I Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Buy me a coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] mili@militharakan.com Podcast survey link [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5dvn2fDBUa8keNkdxKY-5Kac_3JKSOzkdHG0NjtDGKcow0A/viewform?usp=sf_link] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District This 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 [https://www.techstyler.fashion/]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 [https://www.opencell.bio/] 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 [https://colorifix.com/] 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Survey [https://tinyurl.com/4puz24rm] Other resources: Fashion District [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/] I Fashion for Good [https://accelerator.fashionforgood.com/] I The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA) [https://www.hkrita.com/] I The Mills Fabrica [https://www.themillsfabrica.com/] I Steve Blank's resources [https://steveblank.com/books-for-startups/] Your support means the world to me! If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying me a coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash I Music: 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. 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 influences Join 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 Tharakan mili@militharakan.com Insta: @noordinarycloth [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/ Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman