We were lucky to catch up with Julieta Gaitan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julieta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was while developing my project, Wuasi. This project focuses on creating environmentally friendly textiles using pigments derived from fungi. It all started during the pandemic in Colombia, a time filled with uncertainty and personal challenges. Back then, biodesign and sustainable fashion were new concepts in my country, and resources for experimenting were limited. Still, my passion for sustainability pushed me to explore the fantastic potential of fungi as a natural dye.

Without formal training in biodesign or access to fancy labs, I decided to dive into this project right from home. I had to embrace a trial-and-error approach, often working with what I had— agar, plastic boxes, and my natural fiber textiles. It wasn’t easy, as I faced a lot of setbacks, including failed experiments and worries about making sure my dyeing methods were safe and scalable.

However, I kept going because I genuinely believed in the project’s potential to change how we dye textiles and help the environment simultaneously. The risk I took was more than financial or professional—it felt very personal. I put my reputation and future aspirations on the line to chase an unconventional idea in a place where such innovation was complex because of how we perceive fungi, especially the kind of fungi I work with.

Ultimately, it all paid off, and I successfully created unique, sustainable textiles dyed with fungi-derived pigments, showcasing a new way to design responsibly without harming our ecosystem. This journey also opened up fantastic opportunities, including the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future grant. The support and recognition from this program have been invaluable, allowing me to refine Wuasi and improve the safety and scalability of my methods. What started as a risky experiment has transformed into a project with exciting global potential.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a Colombian textile designer. As a creator, I navigate through nature, experimentation, and sustainability. Drawing inspiration from the intricate beauty of nature, I am often captivated by the subtle details and hidden complexities of the world we inhabit.

In my practice, I strive to translate these observations into tangible forms, employing a variety of mediums and techniques to bring my vision to life. One of my primary mediums is knitting. I use the knitting machine and natural fibers like silk, wool, and cotton to create intricate patterns and textures reminiscent of natural phenomena. For example, I might draw upon the delicate symmetry of a mushroom to inform the intricate lacework of a knitted piece.

In addition to knitting, I am deeply intrigued by the potential of biomaterials, such as fungi dye and bioplastics, to revolutionize sustainable practices. By cultivating fungi in controlled environments, I can harness their natural pigment-producing properties to create vibrant, unique prints for my textiles.

I also explore the possibilities of bioplastics derived from organic sources such as algae and agar, which offer a renewable alternative to conventional plastics. Furthermore,  I also explore the use of natural dyes sourced from plants, fruits, and flowers. By harnessing the vibrant hues in nature’s palette, I can infuse my work with rich, organic colors that reflect the beauty of the natural world.

I explore the inherent potential of organic processes through experimentation with these materials and techniques. I seek to evoke emotion and provoke thought, challenge preconceived notions, and expand the boundaries of perception. My creative work aims to inspire others to see the world with new eyes and embrace its inherent magic and mystery.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely, one resource I really wish I had discovered earlier in my creative journey is Genspace and other similar community spaces like NewLab. They’re amazing for bringing together people from all sorts of backgrounds—like biology, engineering, art, and design. These spaces offer great access to shared labs and workshops, and you get to connect with a friendly network of passionate experts and fellow creatives who really inspire each other.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, one of the best things about being an artist and creator is the chance to mix passion with purpose to make a real difference. I love using my creativity to find sustainable solutions for big challenges, especially in the fashion and textile world. It’s so exciting to take an idea—like using dyes made from fungi—and turn it into something impactful and tangible. Plus, seeing how my work inspires others to think about sustainability and innovation in their own areas really motivates me to keep exploring new possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julietagaitanrubio.com
• Instagram: julietagaitan_design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietagaitanrubio

Image Credits

Photos content by @parallelplay.studio