MYCSOLE
A NEW WAY OF FRAMING FOOTWEAR
THE CONCEPT
Mycelium is the root-like structure of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. It is also an integral foundational element of our ecosystem.
Forager Foam is Grown with Ecovative's AirMycelium technology. It is also 100% biobased, uses biodegradable raw material, and is fully compostable.
Course
Special Topics Studio: Biomaterials
Year
Fall 2024
THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY
The footwear industry is notorious for its environmental impact, relying heavily on synthetic materials like plastics, PU, and EVA that are non-biodegradable and contribute to landfill waste and microplastic pollution. Additionally, leather production is water-intensive and generates harmful chemicals, while excessive material waste from cutting processes leads to inefficiency. Together, these practices result in significant carbon emissions, pollution, and long-lasting waste.
How can we stay grounded by starting to use our roots to support us?
MOODBOARD
MEET MYCSOLE
Shoes are how we separate our bodies from the ground. With a return to earth grown materials we can return to being more connected to the ground through our own roots, our feet.
The home is the ultimate place of connection and house slippers are commonly worn for warmth and protection. Forager foam is soft, heat insulating, and durable, all characteristics that are perfect for the home setting. Additionally, MYCSOLE can act as a boot liner for rainy or snow days.
For those moments where you can’t be outside or need to wear rainboots but want to feel connected to nature, MYCSOLE can bring you there. It is a boot liner and a house slipper depending on how you want it to function. Connect your roots to the most fundamental root system, mycelium.
PROCESS
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Sketch it.
Initial quick sketches and ideas. This includes shape and form exploration surrounding the concept of a mule, house slipper, or boot liner.
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Taping and Patterning.
Using a last, I taped the form then sketched the basic design of the slipper I wanted. I then segmented the design into patterning pieces.
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Pressing, Cutting, and Stitching.
All the mycelium pieces were pressed flat with an iron in between parchment paper to create a flat structure. Then the pieces were hand stitched into a larger textile piece to be cut into pattern pieces.
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Construction and Assembly.
Finally, connecting all of the patterned pieces and hand stitching all technical and decorative connections. This included using different thread weights and modifying patterning as assembly.
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Final Design.
The final shoe design came together as a slipper that is both comfortable and practical to wear in and outside of the house.
