What drove you to swap traditional fabrics for living biomaterials? SA: Traditional fashion relies heavily on petrochemicals and plastics. I wanted to design garments that leave a positive footprint, using materials that can literally return to the earth and nourish the soil. How does living in Austin influence your creative process? SA: Austin has this unique, vibrant energy where tech innovation meets deep environmental consciousness. It is a city that naturally values sustainability, making it the perfect testing ground for cutting-edge, green design. Does the local landscape, like Lady Bird Lake and the greenbelts, inspire your work? SA: Absolutely. Walking along Lake Austin and the river completely inspires my color palettes and textures. The flowing water and lush greenery remind me daily of the natural cycles I try to mimic in my bio-fabrics. Can you tell us about the core concept behind your upcoming exhibition? SA: The exhibition is called "Living Wardrobes." It features a collection grown entirely from agricultural by-products and mushroom mycelium, showcasing clothes that are completely circular and beautifully biodegradable. What was the biggest technical challenge in creating this specific collection? SA: Managing the curing process for the mycelial leather. Fungi grows rapidly, so finding the exact moment to halt growth while ensuring the material remains durable and flexible for the runway took months to perfect. How do you think Austin’s local community will respond to seeing clothes grown in a lab? SA: Austinites love supporting forward-thinking, eco-friendly concepts. I think they will appreciate the science behind it, especially seeing how local organic waste can be transformed into high-end, wearable art. Which piece in the new exhibition are you most proud of? SA: A flowing evening gown made from fermented agricultural waste. It has a beautiful, water-like drape that directly reflects the movement of the Colorado River running right through our city. What do you hope people take away from your exhibition? SA: I want people to realize that fashion doesn't have to destroy nature to be beautiful. We can wear garments that honor our ecosystems, protect our rivers, and look stunning on the runway.