Fashion designer Karmuel Young introduced a versatile jumpsuit made from biomaterials at the Sustasia Fashion Prize, highlighting sustainability in the industry.
Karmuel Young, a fashion designer based in Hong Kong, showcased a four-in-one jumpsuit made from innovative biomaterial at the 2025 Sustasia Fashion Prize competition during Shanghai Fashion Week. The piece, which transitions between a jumpsuit, long coat, short jacket, and pants, highlights Young’s commitment to sustainable fashion practices.
The Sustasia Fashion Prize, organized by the Shanghai Fashion Designers Association and the creative consultancy yehyehyeh, aims to promote sustainability and innovation within Asia’s fashion industry. The competition provides monetary awards and industry support to designers committed to incorporating sustainable practices in their work. Young was among eight finalists who presented their designs to judges on March 28, evaluated on criteria such as sustainability, innovation, aesthetics, and practicality.
David Williamson, the CEO of Modern Meadow, the company that produced the used biomaterial, applauded Young’s choice of INNOVERA™ in his design, stating, “We are honored that Karmuel Young chose to use our INNOVERA™ biomaterial in his Sustasia Fashion Prize design to showcase the beauty and versatility of sustainable innovative materials in clothing.” The material is touted for its sustainable credentials, being crafted from plant-based proteins, biopolymers, and recycled rubber, resulting in over 80% renewable carbon content. It is also lighter and stronger than traditional options, making it flexible for various design interpretations.
Young, whose focus is on creating a modern masculine wardrobe, used camel-colored suede INNOVERA™ for his jumpsuit, aiming to offer men more sustainable style options while promoting longevity in fashion choices. “This is my first convertible look, and it will give men more options to style their wardrobes in a timeless, sustainable way,” Young said.
The exhibition of the finalists’ submissions is currently open to the public at SUHE HAUS in Shanghai and will run until April 6. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the fashion industry, as more designers seek to explore sustainable materials and practices, aiming to minimize environmental impacts while providing stylish alternatives.
Source: Noah Wire Services
