Hong Kong fashion designer Karmuel Young showcases a versatile jumpsuit made from INNOVERA™ biomaterial at the Sustasia Fashion Prize competition, emphasizing sustainable practices in the industry.
Karmuel Young, a fashion designer based in Hong Kong, unveiled his innovative four-in-one jumpsuit at the 2025 Sustasia Fashion Prize competition during Shanghai Fashion Week. His design made use of Modern Meadow’s biomaterial, INNOVERA™—a sustainable option previously known as BIO-VERA®. The event, which took place on March 28, featured eight finalists vying for recognition and financial support aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
The Sustasia Fashion Prize is an initiative organized by the Shanghai Fashion Designers Association in conjunction with the creative collective yehyehyeh. The purpose of the prize is to foster innovation in Asia’s fashion sector by encouraging designers to meld sustainability with modern design techniques. A panel of judges evaluated the finalists based on four criteria: sustainability, innovation, aesthetics, and practicality.
David Williamson, PhD, CEO of Modern Meadow, expressed his enthusiasm for Young’s choice of their biomaterial, 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.” Williamson emphasized the company’s shared mission with the prize organizers to enhance sustainability within the fashion industry, operating with inspiration drawn from nature.
Young’s entry included variations of one multi-functional garment that can be styled as a jumpsuit, long coat, short jacket, or pants. He utilized camel-colored INNOVERA™ in a suede finish for his creation, which he described as fostering longevity and timeless appeal. “This is my first convertible look, and it will give men more options to style their wardrobes in a timeless, sustainable way,” Young remarked, highlighting the luxury feel of the material. The use of INNOVERA™ also carries advantages: it is lightweight, at 25% less weight than traditional materials, two times stronger, and crafted from over 80% renewable carbon content sourced from plant proteins, biopolymers, and recycled rubber.
The exhibition featuring the designs of all finalists is currently open to the public at SUHE HAUS in Shanghai and will remain accessible until April 6, providing an opportunity for the public to engage with the innovative works presented at the competition. Young’s commitment to integrating biomaterials into his future designs underscores a growing trend in the fashion industry that increasingly prioritizes sustainability alongside aesthetic considerations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
