No Ordinary Cloth: Textile innovations in future materials, manufacturing and sustainability

Episoade

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  Ep 35. Weaving out Waste: How WEFFAN is Forming Garments within Fabric with Graysha Audren 05.08.2026 1h 12min

  What if the fashion industry didn't have to create waste in the first place? In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, Mili sits down with textile designer and founder of WEFFAN, Graysha Audren, to explore a radically different way of making clothes: garments that are folded, flat‑packed and "baked" straight into the weave on a jacquard loom. From an olive‑green 3D‑woven shirt on a small table at Future Fabrics Expo to a 3D‑woven tailored suit in Balenciaga stores, Graysha walks us through how WEFFAN's origami‑inspired 3D weaving technology embeds garment shape directly into the fabric, designs out off‑cut waste, and collapses traditional textile and garment manufacturing into a single, elegant workflow. Along the way, we talk about the craft behind this innovation, the human journey of building an idea from student "baby trousers" to couture‑level production, and what it might mean for the factories, designers and weavers who shape fashion's future. In this conversation, we discuss * How WEFFAN's 3D weaving process "flat‑packs" garments inside the fabric and releases them into 3D form through a cut‑and‑release step. * Why waste is a design decision, and how embedding garment shape in the weave can remove off‑cuts and reduce yarn use before waste is ever created * The Balenciaga collaboration: what it took to go from experiment to a 3D‑woven tailored suit on the shop floor, and what changed in production lead times and sew time * The new design language of 3D‑woven garments – seamless pockets, pattern‑matched stripes, engineered fabric densities and mono‑material construction that's easier to recycle. * Bringing together software, jacquard weaving and origami logic to build a plug‑and‑play system that works on existing looms, rather than asking the industry to invest in new hardware * What this technology could mean for on‑demand manufacturing, shorter supply chains and the factories of the future where fabric and garment are made in one step * Graysha's personal story: from Central Saint Martins and an obsession with textiles to the "baby trouser" that sparked WEFFAN, and why she now sees her youthful naïveté as an advantage in rethinking old systems Key takeaways * Designing out waste starts at the design stage: when we change the construction logic, we change the amount of fabric and time a garment requires. * 3D weaving on existing jacquard looms can be both deeply craft‑based and radically efficient, opening a new aesthetic and technical language for woven garments without discarding the skills and machines we already have. WEFFAN: Website [https://www.weffan.co/]  |  Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysha-audren/] Connect with Mili:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I would love to hear your feedback. Recommended listening for 3D garment construction technologies: Ep 13. 3D Weaving Yarns into Garments and Zero Inventory Circular Fashion with Beth Esponnette Ep 28. AI Robotics for Fabrics and the Future of Stitcheless Garment Making with Cam Myers Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash. Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 34. From Wetlands to Wardrobes: What If Fashion Could Help Heal the Planet? with Julian Ellis-Brown 15.05.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode, we step into very different territory. We leave the factory floor and the chemistry lab behind, pull on our wellies, and head into the wetlands. Our guest is Julian Ellis-Brown, CEO and Co-founder of Ponda [https://www.ponda.bio/] — the biomaterials company turning wetland restoration into one of fashion's most exciting new fibres. We explore why wetlands are one of the most carbon-rich and biodiverse ecosystems on earth, why centuries of drainage have turned them from the planet's greatest carbon store into a significant carbon emitter, and how a farming practice called paludiculture is now allowing farmers across the UK and Europe to bring degraded wetlands back to life — while still earning a living from the land. At the heart of Ponda's work is BioPuff — a plant-based insulation made from the seed fibres of the bulrush, designed to replace the goose down and synthetic polyester fills found in the puffer jackets and winter coats hanging in most of our wardrobes. Down raises animal welfare and traceability concerns, while synthetic fills are fossil-fuel derived — and BioPuff offers a genuinely carbon-negative alternative, traceable from plant to puffer, and landing in jackets on the market this autumn winter. Julian also shares details of Ponda's newly opened crowdfunding round — a rare opportunity to invest directly in a company regenerating real wetlands and reshaping one of fashion's most overlooked material categories. What We Cover * Why wetlands matter - Wetlands store 550 gigatons of carbon * Paludiculture — the farming model you've never heard of, and why governments across Europe are now backing it with billions * BioPuff — the plant-based insulation made from bulrush, grown on regenerated wetlands, that is set to land in jackets on the market this autumn * The carbon story — how BioPuff achieves a carbon footprint of -42.76 kg of CO2e per kilogram of product, making it genuinely carbon negative * From pilot plant to fashion runways — how Ponda went from a university challenge competition to collaborations with Stella McCartney, Berghaus and Parley for the Oceans * The crowdfunding round — why Ponda is inviting the public to invest in their mission, and how you can get involved * Julian's personal story — the moment curiosity about nature became a company, and what keeps him going About our guest: Julian Ellis-Brown is the CEO and Co-founder of Ponda, formerly known as Saltyco. Julian studied Innovation Design Engineering at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, where he and his three co-founders began developing what would become BioPuff. Ponda closed a $2.4 million seed round in 2025 and is now commercialising BioPuff for the global fashion market. Ponda: Website [https://www.ponda.bio/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/ponda.bio/]   I   BioPuff sample [https://shop.ponda.bio/] Crowdfunding round — register your interest [https://europe.republic.com/ponda/coming-soon] Mili Tharakan:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Recommended listening: Ep 29. Cotton, Soil & Solar: Re-imagining the "Quiet King" of Textiles Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 33. Part 3 I Clean Run: Detoxing the Running Jacket I Care, Repair and Recycle with Charlotte Krist, Shay Sethi and Wajahat Hussain 11.05.2026 1h 36min

  We're used to thinking about sustainability at the point of purchase: what fibres a garment is made from, whether it's certified or recycled. But the truth is, what we do with a garment after we buy it – how we wash it, whether we repair it, and what happens when it's finally worn out – is just as important as what it's made of. In this final episode of Clean Run, host Mili Tharakan takes our now‑familiar running jacket into the rest of its life. We've already rebuilt its fibres and detoxed its chemistry. Now we follow it into washing machines, repair studios and recycling plants to see what it really takes for a jacket to have not just one life, but many. Guests: * Charlotte Krist, Strategic Business Development,  United Repair Centre [https://www.unitedrepaircentre.com/]: building industrial‑scale, brand‑integrated repair services that extend the physical and emotional life of garments, and make "repair is the new cool" a real consumer option, not just a slogan. * Shay Sethi, CEO and Founder, Ambercycle [https://www.ambercycle.com/]: developing molecular recycling technologies that separate complex fibre blends at the base‑molecule level and regenerate polyester into new, high‑quality yarns – creating a genuine end‑of‑life pathway for garments that are currently landfilled or burned. * Wajahat Hussain, CEO and Fuunder, BIORESTORE [https://www.bio-restore.com/]: turning a single laundry cycle into a way to resurface worn fabrics, remove pilling and restore colour and hand‑feel, so garments look and feel almost new. In this episode you'll learn: * How BIORESTORE's enzyme‑based treatment can "exfoliate" damaged fibres, remove pilling and revive colour and softness in a single wash, effectively resetting certain signs of wear. * How high‑quality repair, delivered at scale by United Repair Centre, can extend both the physical life and the emotional value of garments, turning damage into part of a garment's story rather than its end. * How Ambercycle's molecular regeneration process separates and depolymerises polyester from mixed‑fibre garments to create new, high‑quality feedstock that can replace virgin polyester. * What a realistic circular journey for a running jacket could look like when better care, repair and recycling infrastructures work together – and why design and collection systems are just as critical as breakthrough technology. Across all three episodes, Clean Run turns an ordinary running jacket into a closed looped narrative – from the moment its fibres are imagined to the moment they are reborn – and invites us to see that, with the right choices, every garment we wear can be part of a story that never really ends. The Clean Run series is inspired by the Performance Without Toxicity [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/performance-without-toxicity-exhibition-tickets-1976742709657] exhibition, curated by The Mills Fabrica [https://www.themillsfabrica.com/] in partnership with Goldwin [https://www.goldwin-global.com/eu/], open until 26th June 2026 at Fabrica X in London. Entry is free. Clean Run is a three-part series. Part 1 explores fibres and fabric and Part 2 dives into the dyes, coatings, and construction of the running jacket. Connect with me: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 32. Part 2 I Clean Run: Detoxing the Running Jacket I Dye, Finish and Construction with Jean Francoise Benoit, Jun Kamei and Matthais Feossel 23.04.2026 1h 47min

  We tend to think a running jacket performs because of its fabric. In reality, much of what we experience – the colour, the way water beads on the surface, how quickly it dries – comes from an invisible layer of chemistry added after the fabric is made. Those dyes, coatings and finishes are where some of the most persistent and problematic substances in performance wear quietly sit. In this second episode of Clean Run, host Mili Tharakan takes the same high street running jacket from Episode 1 and goes one layer deeper – beyond fibres into finishing and construction. She asks: can we rebuild this jacket without toxic chemistry, and design it so that its end of life is already built in? To answer that, Mili is joined by three guests who are each tackling a different "invisible" part of the jacket Guests: * Jean François Benoit, Development Engineer, Resortecs [https://resortecs.com/] – inventing Smart Stitch (heat‑dissolvable sewing threads) and Smart Disassembly (industrial ovens that unpick garments at end of life), so complex multi‑material products can be taken apart automatically and sent to the right recyclers. * Jun Kamei, Founder & CEO, Amphico [https://www.amphico.uk/] – developing Amphicolour, a near‑waterless colouration system that embeds pigment at the yarn stage, and Amphitex, a PFAS‑free waterproof, breathable membrane based on polyolefins, designed to be recyclable. * Matthias Foessel, Founder & CEO, Beyond Surface Technologies [https://www.beyondst.com/] – creating high‑performance textile finishes under the miDori brand, using bio‑based oils and waxes such as microalgae instead of petrochemicals, and replacing PFAS‑based DWR with palm‑oil‑free green chemistry that runs on existing mill equipment.  In this episode: * The hidden environmental cost of conventional textile dyeing and why it drives emissions and water pollution. How dope‑dyed yarns and colour‑mixing at weave stage can cut water, energy and CO₂ dramatically * What PFAS "forever chemicals" are, why they're used in outdoor fabrics, and why they're a problem.  * Emerging PFAS‑free waterproof membranes and the challenges of scaling * The role of textile finishes in performance – and their reliance on petrochemical chemistry * How bio‑based finishes from sources like microalgae can match conventional performance * Why sewing thread blocks garment recycling and what smart disassembly can change * How Smart Stitch enables clean separation of complex garments into recyclable material streams * The cost, procurement and policy barriers slowing adoption of these innovative solutions The Clean Run series is inspired by the Performance Without Toxicity [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/performance-without-toxicity-exhibition-tickets-1976742694612?keep_tld=true] exhibition, curated by The Mills Fabrica [https://www.themillsfabrica.com/] in partnership with Goldwin [https://www.goldwin-global.com/uk/], open until 26th June 2026 at Fabrica X in London. Entry is free. Clean Run is a three-part series. Part 2 explores the hidden chemistry and construction of the jacket, Part 3 will explore innovations in care, repair and end of life of the jacket. Hit subscribe to be notified of next episode Connect with Mili Tharakan: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash. Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestrama
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  Ep 31. Part 1 I Clean Run: Detoxing the Running Jacket I Fibre and Fabric with Hitesh Manglani, Jeanne Begon-Lours and Khorceska Batyrova 08.04.2026 1h 30min

  Have you taken a close look at the label on your running jacket? It probably mentions a list of materials such as nylon, polyester, elastane — but what it doesn't say is that these materials are born from fossil fuels, made with toxic chemistry, and designed in a way that makes them almost impossible to recycle or break down at the end of their life. In this first episode of Clean Run, host Mili Tharakan takes an ordinary running jacket bought from the high street and deconstructs it — layer by layer, fabric by fabric — to ask: what would it look like if we rebuilt it from scratch, without the petrochemicals and toxins that are so embedded in performance wear today? To answer that question, Mili is joined by three founders who are each replacing one of the jacket's core fossil-fuel derived fibres with something radically different. Guests: Hitesh Manglani, CEO & Founder of SuperCarb [https://www.supercarb.tech/] — processing sugar molecules from seaweed and food waste into a high-performance polyester alternative that is inherently antibacterial, flame retardant, and free from microplastic shedding. Jeanne Begon-Lours, CEO & Co-founder of Tera Mira [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tera-mira/] — developing the world's first fully bio-based elastane alternative made from seaweed, designed to replace the hidden villain that blocks recycling in almost every garment made today. Khorceska Batyrova, CEO & Co-founder of OzoneBio [https://ozonebio.ca/] — turning wood waste and nutshells into bio-based Nylon 66, producing the same high-performance fibre without the toxic adipic acid manufacturing process that releases nitrous oxide — a gas 300 times more damaging than CO₂. Not petrochemicals but organic waste is the new raw material. Wood bark, nutshells, seaweed, citrus peels — the feedstocks these founders are using are things the world produces in enormous quantities and currently throws away. The running jacket of the future may well start in a forest floor or a food processing facility. In this episode: * Why nylon, polyester and elastane are so dominant in performance wear — and what makes them so hard to walk away from * How bio-based materials can match the performance of petroleum-based fibres — and where the trade-offs still exist * The chicken-and-egg problem of scale that every material innovator faces with large brands * What it actually takes to bring three new materials together into a single garment * Honest reflections on favourite failures, founder wellbeing, and what keeps these innovators going The Clean Run series is inspired by the Performance Without Toxicity exhibition [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/performance-without-toxicity-exhibition-tickets-1976742694612?keep_tld=true], curated by The Mills Fabrica [https://www.themillsfabrica.com/] in partnership with Goldwin [https://www.goldwin-global.com/uk/], open until 26th June 2026 at Fabrica X in London. Entry is free. Clean Run is a three-part series. Episode 2 explores the hidden chemistry of finishing — the dyes, coatings, and construction decisions that can undermine even the cleanest fibre Connect with Mili Tharakan:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth]  I  Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback and it helps others discover this podcast Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 30. Behind the Label: How Data is Rewriting the Rules of Fashion with Jothi Kanayala and Atnyel Guedj (x Fashion District 02.04.2026 1h 15min

  This is a special episode in partnership with Fashion District London [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/] What if you could trace every thread of a garment – from the cotton field to the shop floor and all the way to the recycling centre – and understand its true cost? Not just the financial cost, but the environmental, social, and human cost? That's the question at the heart of this episode. The fashion supply chain is one of the most complex systems in the world, and for decades it has operated largely in the dark. But a new generation of technology companies is changing that – gathering data, building transparency, and helping brands finally understand what is actually happening behind their labels. We are joined by Jothi Kanayalal from Clothing Connected [https://clothingconnected.global/] and Atnyel Guedj from Made2Flow [https://www.made2flow.com/], who together offer a fascinating window into what it means to truly know your supply chain. What We Cover in This Episode * Why the fashion supply chain has operated in the dark for so long – and why that is rapidly changing * Why a garment label saying "Made in Bangladesh" tells us almost nothing – and why two thirds of a product's environmental impact lies in the invisible upstream tiers * What Clothing Connected does day-to-day: onboarding suppliers across all tiers, automating compliance, replacing spreadsheets and emails with a real-time single source of truth * What Made2Flow does: collecting "activity data" from facilities worldwide, running automated lifecycle assessments (LCAs), and turning incomplete, fragmented data into reliable environmental impact results * The biggest barriers slowing brands' adoption of supply chain technology – from ROI pressure and fragmentation to digital literacy across developing nations * The regulations brands can no longer ignore: Digital Product Passports (DPP), ESPR, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the Green Claims Directive * How AI is beginning to transform data validation and verification * How Clothing Connected and Made2Flow complement each other in a brand's data ecosystem Key Takeaways * Most brands have visibility only to tier 4 (garment manufacturer) and partially tier 3 (fabric mill). Tier 2 and tier 1 upstream data – spinners, ginners, raw material sources – remains largely invisible * Without supply chain data, brands cannot ensure ethical production, avoid harmful substances like PFAS, calculate EPR taxes accurately, or prepare for Digital Product Passports * Clothing Connected operates as a cryptographic ledger – more energy efficient than blockchain – and is multilingual, serving over 3,000 clothing suppliers * Made2Flow's LCA engine is specialised in fast-moving consumer goods and textiles, able to work with incomplete data and fill gaps reliably using years of accumulated process knowledge * The brands that invest in data infrastructure now will be far better positioned when DPP and ESPR regulations arrive for textiles in 2027 * This is no longer only a sustainability conversation – it is a financial and business imperative Connect with: Jothi Kanayalal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jothik/]  I   Atnyel Guedj [https://www.linkedin.com/in/atnyel-guedj-4860bb18/] Connect with me:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 29. Cotton, Soil & Solar: Re‑imagining the "Quiet King" of Textiles with Catherine Bottrill and Felix Bartlett (x Fashion District) 16.02.2026 1h 11min

  This is a special episode in partnership with Fashion District London. In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we go back to where the cotton story truly begins: in the soil and in small farming communities. Mili is joined by Felix Bartlett, founder of Biothread, and Dr. Catherine Bottrill, co‑founder of ACE (Affordable Clean Environment) Cotton, to explore how regenerative farming, microbial science and clean energy can transform the future of the world's favourite fibre. Together they unpack the small and large scale cotton farming industry and ask what it would mean for cotton to become a force for regeneration: rebuilding soil health, cutting emissions and creating real wealth and dignity for the people who grow it. In this episode, we talk about: * Why cotton is still the "quiet king" of textiles – beloved by the richest and the poorest, and deeply bound up with power, politics and identity. * The difference between conventional, organic and regenerative cotton – and why "regenerative" is as much a process and pathway as an end state. * How Biothread uses microbial consortia and field trials to reduce synthetic fertiliser use, improve yields and strengthen soil health in cotton systems. * The social realities behind cotton: farmer debt, crop failure, climate volatility and why soil degradation sits at the heart of many of these crises. * ACE Cotton's village‑level model in South Asia – combining solar irrigation, clean household energy and biodiversity projects to support just decarbonisation. * How brand decarbonisation targets, farm‑level emissions and smallholder energy access can be aligned so climate action also builds resilience and opportunity. * The role of data, measurement and software in proving impact – from input reductions and yield changes to carbon, water and livelihoods metrics. * Farmer trust, pilots and "show and tell": what it takes to introduce new technologies and financing models into communities where risk is already high. * Why cotton must be protected as the most widely used natural fibre if we are to avoid a fully synthetic future for fashion. *  The power of storytelling in shifting cotton from "cheap commodity" to living system – and how Felix and Catherine draw on their own backgrounds to do that work. Pilio Group ACE Village [https://www.piliogroup.com/] BioThread [https://www.biothread.co.uk/the-science] Fashion District London [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/] Books on the history of cotton explore its role as a global commodity that shaped modern capitalism, industrialisation, and imperialism 1. Empire of Cotton: A Global History : Sven Beckert 2. A History of the Cotton Industry : Anthony Burton 3. Cotton (Textiles that Changed the World) : Beverly Lemire Connect with me: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Buy me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Recommended listening: Ep 25. Turning Agri Waste to Cellulose Fibre [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1co7nY56W9cnxDwge24jJB?si=2ba41fa32b434051] Ep 14. Farm to Fibre [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pkROyfOqLcGKROgefvVbG?si=2aa581635bf74f62] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 28. AI Robotics for Fabrics and the Future of Stitchless Garment Making with Cam Myers 03.02.2026 1h 24min

  This episode goes deep into the complexity of how our clothes are cut and sewn today and what it will take to rebuild apparel manufacturing for the 21st century. Mili Tharakan is joined by Cam Myers, Founder, CEO and Board Director of CreateMe Technologies, who shares how his team is pioneering an autonomous, stitchless tailoring platform that brings together robotics, advanced adhesives and what he calls "Physical AI." Cam is a seasoned entrepreneur and inventor with two decades of experience across automation, hardware, software, and apparel tech, he has built CreateMe from concept to industry pioneer, securing 25 patents for apparel automation innovations. Before CreateMe, Cam played key roles at DoubleClick (during its $3.1B sale to Google) and Group Commerce, a venture‑backed e‑commerce platform later acquired by Blackhawk Network. He began his career in investment banking at Allen & Company and holds an MA from Cambridge and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School, with further studies at MIT in advanced manufacturing. Key takeaways * Why apparel remains one of the most labor‑intensive, offshored industries in the world, employing tens of millions of people and relying heavily on manual sewing. * What makes sewing so hard to automate: unstable textile physics, extreme variability in fabrics and fits, and the need for human‑like perception and dexterity in three‑dimensional space. * How CreateMe's bonded garment technology uses printed adhesive patterns that mimic stitch files, enable fully automated assembly, and can be made thermo‑reversible for disassembly and recycling. * Where this platform is already being applied—starting with categories like women's underwear—and the range of fabrics, constructions, and embellishments it can support, from fine silks to complex laminations. * The vision for on‑shoring and "microfactories of the future": compact, high‑throughput production cells capable of million‑unit annual output, shorter lead times, and closer proximity to key consumer markets * What this shift could mean for inventory risk, responsiveness, sustainability, and the economics of producing apparel in high‑wage regions. * Cam's founder journey from investment banking and high‑growth tech and e‑commerce ventures to building CreateMe into an apparel automation pioneer with a growing portfolio of patents—and why textiles should be seen as critical infrastructure, not just fashion trends. CreateMe [https://www.createme.com/] London Sewing Machine museum: www.museumslondon.org [https://www.museumslondon.org/museum/131/london-sewing-machine-museum] 🎧 Recommended listening: Ep 6. AI for Zero waste fabric, Sustainability and Traceability in Textile Factories [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2om0aQd2cV7yzaYX9kxigm?si=a3b9adfe7c4948d6] Ep 13. 3D Weaving yarn to garment and zero inventory circular fashion [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1udKV0BOXRhePn3UokmPVA?si=703fea59ed7c490c] Connect with me Mili Tharakan:  Linkedin  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I  Insta [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] ❤️ If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 27. Sustainability Through Longevity: Emotional Durability in Fashion with Charles Ross 07.01.2026 1h 16min

  In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we sit down with Charles Ross, Performance Sportswear Design Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, to explore what durability and sustainability looks like in the fashion and sportswear industries. Charles has spent over two decades at the intersection of functional design and environmental responsibility, championing the idea of sustainability through longevity — creating durable, meaningful clothing that stands the test of time. Together, we unpack the idea of emotional durability: how designers can foster deeper connections between people and their garments, making us value what we wear more and waste less. Charles shares insights from his extensive experience working with brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Adidas as well as from his teaching, research, and outdoor pursuits that inform his hands-on approach to design. It's an episode where you will laugh and learn from one of the legends of outdoor and performance wear. Key Takeaways * Designing for both physical and emotional longevity is one of fashion's most sustainable acts. * Storytelling, authenticity, and personal connection drive emotional durability. * Consumers are more likely to repair, care for, and retain garments they're emotionally attached to. * The sportswear sector can lead in circular thinking by blending innovation with human-centered design. * Longevity is not just about how long clothes last, but how long they matter. Resources: DO Lectures [https://thedolectures.com/] A Climate of Truth [https://climateoftruth.co.uk/] by Mike Bernes-Lee There is No Planet B [https://theresnoplanetb.net/] by Mike Bernes-Lee Performance Days [https://www.performancedays.com/] Connect with Charles Ross: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-ross-1464714/] Connect with Mili Tharakan: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/] I Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/] I Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] I Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 26. Clothing Poverty, Pre-loved South Asian Wedding Fashion and Building Community for Change with Anoli Mehta and Sol Escobar (x Fashion District) 16.10.2025 1h 12min

  Special episode by No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/] In this episode, Mili speaks with Sol Escobar, founder of Give Your Best, and Anoli Mehta, founder of Circular Threads, two inspiring women tackling fashion's social and environmental challenges from different angles. Sol's award-winning social enterprise helps bridge the gap between clothing waste and clothing poverty by allowing people in need—such as refugees and survivors of domestic violence—to shop donated fashion online for free, preserving choice and dignity while promoting circularity. Meanwhile, Anoli's platform gives South Asian wedding and occasion wear a meaningful second life by creating a space for people to buy, sell, and rediscover preloved garments, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.  Both founders are proving that community-driven circularity—whether through redistribution or resale—can reshape the fashion system, reducing waste while building inclusivity and meaningful connection in how we consume and value clothes Key Topics Discussed: * How Sol and Anoli's businesses address fashion waste and offer alternatives to buying new * The problem of clothing poverty in the UK and how Give Your Best gives agency and dignity to vulnerable individuals through free shopping for donated clothes * The challenge of overconsumption and the cultural significance of South Asian fashion, and how Circular Threads is building a dedicated marketplace for preloved occasion wear * The power of community: building genuine connections with buyers, sellers, donors and volunteers * Stories of personal identity, belonging, and the emotional meaning tied to clothing * Behind-the-scenes experiences in entrepreneurship, including overcoming failure, learning resilience, and finding inspiration from lived experiences * What success looks like—impact, culture shift and empowering others Calls to Action: * Listeners are invited to support both projects by donating clothing, becoming a volunteer, attending events, or simply spreading the word to raise awareness * Anyone with South Asian outfits or formalwear they no longer use is encouraged to visit Circular Threads' store or online marketplace * For Give Your Best, all are welcome to donate clothes, connect with local volunteers ("Besties"), and help extend the platform's mission * Join these communities to help fashion last longer than an evening out Follow and connect with Sol Escobar and Anoli Mehta: * Give Your Best:  Website [https://giveyourbest.uk/]   I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/giveyourbest.uk] * Circular Threads:  Website [https://www.circular-threads.com/]  I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/circular.threads/] Connect with me Mili Tharakan:  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth]  If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Recommended listening: Ep 22. Beyond the Bin: fighting against Fashion Waste Ep 21. Circular Fashion in Action: Insights From Luxury and Highstreet Brands Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 25. Turning Agri Waste to Cellulose Fibre, High-Tech Naturalism and the Making of a Fashion Scientist with Amanda Parkes 29.09.2025 1h 44min

  In this episode, host Mili Tharakan, dives deep into the extraordinary mind and career of Amanda Parkes—a true pioneer at the intersection of science, fashion, and engineering. Amanda has consistently challenged boundaries and redefined what's possible in textiles and sustainability. Amanda Parkes is a renowned fashion scientist with more than 20 years of experience pioneering innovation, sustainability, and smart materials across the fashion and technology sectors. As founding scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at Pangaia, she led the creation of market-first, sustainable materials, helping to earn the brand a top spot on Fast Company's Most Innovative Brands list. She holds a PhD and MS from the MIT Media Lab and degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Art History from Stanford. As an Advisor at Regeneration VC Amanda also advises leading climate tech and biomaterials startups and is an internationally recognised speaker, honoured by the Business of Fashion and Vanity Fair for her influential work shaping the industry. In this episode they explore Amanda's latest venture - Mothership Materials, where she is translating cutting-edge molecular separation technology to turn waste into valuable ingredients for the next generation of textiles and glucose for microbes. Amanda's insights offer a hopeful and innovative vision for the future of the textile industry. Key takeaways from this episode include the potential of waste valorisation in creating sustainable textiles, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, and the need for robust business models in sustainable fashion. Mothership Materials [https://www.mothershipmaterials.com/] 00:00 Introduction to the No Ordinary Cloth Podcast 00:43 Meet Amanda Parkes: A Pioneer in Sustainable Textiles 05:52 Defining the Role of a Fashion Scientist 13:53 Amanda's New Venture: Mothership Materials 36:03 Navigating Interdisciplinary Skills and Innovation Diplomacy 43:44 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling Sustainable Technologies 51:53 Insights from Leading Innovation at Pangaia 01:09:40 Future of Emerging Textile Technologies 01:10:33 AI in Textile Innovation 01:11:18 Regeneration VC Fund's Mission 01:12:50 Challenges in Impact Measurement 01:15:12 Investment Nervousness in Fashion Startups 01:18:43 Career Path and Advice for Young Professionals 01:42:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Pangaia Lab [https://pangaia.com/pages/lab] I  Regeneration VC [https://regeneration.vc/] 🎧 Recommended Listening: Ep 14. Farm to Fibre [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pkROyfOqLcGKROgefvVbG?si=07841c1ffeb94f86] Ep 15. Brewing Beer for Bio Leather [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZOdHVnlo6w3r8SeqIXZFs?si=68af2db2cdce47f8] Ep 2. From Garden Waste to Leather [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Nl38hmbdYsNR3jvNgBA1n?si=41b4c97285334137] Ep 16. Catalyst Shaping the Future of Sustainable and Ethical Fashion [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1CA74mGEUykDxtLXumRLW4?si=0cb6b72d60924243] Connect with me Mili Tharakan:  Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth]  I  Email [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8] ❤️ Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 24. Medicine-Embedded Textiles: Reimagining Fabric for Pain Relief and Healing with Bradley Seese 04.08.2025 1h 4min

  In this episode, host Mili speaks with Bradley Seese,("The Yarn Geek"), VP of Operations at Clothing 2.0 and a lifelong textile innovator and technical visionary, about the future of medicine-embedded textiles. Learn how Clothing 2.0 is infusing active ingredients like capsaicin (the spicy compound in chili peppers) into yarns to create health-promoting, pain-relieving garments. The conversation spans the science, safety, sustainability, regulatory landscape, and exciting possibilities for smart wearables that do more for our wellbeing—as well as Brad's passionate journey from North Carolina yarn mills to the frontlines of textile innovation. Key Topics * What are medicine-embedded textiles, and how do they work? * Capsaicin for pain relief: benefits, science, and use in smart clothing. * Sustainability, wash durability, and minimizing waste in health textiles. * The challenges and opportunities in bringing textile technology to market. * Upskilling and creating new job pathways in US-based manufacturing. * Brad's personal journey and vision for the next wave of smart wearables. Clothing 2.0: Website [https://www.clothing2.com/] Resources mentioned by Brad: Manufacturing Solutions Center [https://www.manufacturingsolutionscenter.org/] (for textile innovation and workforce training) Advanced Textile Association [https://www.textiles.org/] Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association [https://www.thesyfa.org/] Southern Textile Association [https://www.southerntextile.org/] SEAMS: The Association for the US Sewn Products Industry [https://seams.org/] Hohenstein Institute [https://www.hohenstein.com/en/]: International textile test lab and standards organization Connect with Mili Tharakan: Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]  I   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I   Buy me a cofffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 23. Stitching together South American Folklore, Migration and Community with Jennifer Droguett Espinosa (x Fashion District) 18.07.2025 1h 8min

  Special episode by No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, host Mili speaks with Jennifer Droguett Espinosa, a Colombian and Chilean Sustainable Fashion Designer and Creative Director, and the founder of Anciela. Jennifer shares how her early experiences with migration, identity, and upcycling shaped her personal and creative outlook. She discusses her journey from making her own clothes as a child through to studying fashion in Amsterdam, interning with Viktor & Rolf, and building her career and community in London. Jennifer talks about the origins of Anciela, a brand deeply rooted in storytelling, South American folklore, and experimental tailoring, and grounded on the pillars of culture, sustainability, community, and visibility. She details her creative process, how she layers history, literature, music, and personal memory into collections, and the stories behind some of her signature pieces. The conversation covers Anciela's approach to circularity, including sustainable material choices, zero-waste techniques, refresh and repair services, and pioneering digital product passports for transparency. Jennifer opens up about collaborating with Latinx creatives, working with diaspora charities, and making fashion more accessible through inclusive events and workshops. She reflects on her time with the Fashion District's Evo Fashion programme and the British Fashion Council's low-carbon initiative, highlighting the challenges and rewards of growing a purpose-led business. Jennifer concludes with advice on conscious consumption, the importance of small actions, and the need for more brands to center community, inclusivity, and honest storytelling. Anciela:   Website [https://www.anciela.com/]   I   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdroguett/]   I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/anciela_london/?hl=en] Mili Tharakan:   Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]   I   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   I   Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Resources Evo Fashion [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/evo-fashion-2/] - a four-month experiential support programme for emerging brands and fashion technology businesses. It will help you to integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business, taking a holistic approach to business strategy and focusing on supply chain sustainability, ethical working standards, channels to market, and investment readiness. Deadline: 4th August 2025 Low Carbon Transition Programme for SMEs [https://instituteofpositivefashion.com/uploads/files/1/IPF_LowCarbonTransitionProgramme_2025Report.pdf] report by British Fashion Council Ellen MacArthur [https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/fashion/overview] Fashion Revolution [https://www.fashionrevolution.org/] The travels of a T-shirt in the global economy, book by Pietra Rivoli One Hundred Years of Solitude, book by Gabriel García Márquez If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 22. Beyond the Bin: Fight Against Fashion Waste with Annabel Hought and Yayra Agbofah (x Fashion District) 02.06.2025 39min

  Join host Mili Tharakan as she sits down with Annabel Hought from Round Retail [https://www.roundretail.co.uk/] and Yayra Agbofah from The Revival [https://www.therevival.earth/] to discuss innovative business models for sustainable fashion, the global crisis of textile waste, and the power of cross-border collaboration. This episode dives into the realities of the secondhand clothing market, the importance of community, and creative solutions for reducing waste while supporting vulnerable communities. Key Takeaways * Textile waste is a global problem that requires local and international collaboration. * The rise of fast and ultra-fast fashion has led to a flood of low-quality, unsellable garments, overwhelming markets like Kantamanto in Ghana. * Innovative business models like Round Retail and The Revival show how fashion can be a force for good. * Consumer awareness and action are crucial for driving systemic change in the fashion industry. Consumers can drive change by voting with their money and supporting responsible businesses. * Reduce stigma around secondhand fashion and foster a more conscious, circular fashion ecosystem. How to Support Donate or consign clothes to Round Retail [https://www.roundretail.co.uk/pages/donate] Follow and support The Revival's ongoing efforts to rebuild Kantamanto market and community in Accra, Ghana - Donate [https://www.therevival.earth/] Advocate for extended producer responsibility and more transparent fashion supply chains Fashion District Festival 2025 Fashion District Festival 2025 [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/fashion-district-festival-2025/]: 3rd - 8th June 2025, Spitalfields, London Launch and performance showcase [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/fashion-district-festival-showcase-2/]:  immersive fashion show Rebuild and Reimagine with Round Retail [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/rebuild-and-reimagine-with-round-retail/]:  bring old clothes for creative upcycling sessions. Accelerating Regenerative Fashion [http://fashion-district.co.uk/festival/accelerating-regenerative-fashion/]: workshop Circular Design Practice [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/circular-design-practice/]: workshop Past and Future fabrics [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/past-future-fabrics/]: talks Connect with me Mili Tharakan:   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   I   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   I   Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]   I Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 21: Circular Fashion in Action: Insights From Luxury to Highstreet Brands with Laetitia Forst, Patrick McDowell and Philippa Grogan (x Fashion District) 18.05.2025 1h 13min

  In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, host Mili Tharakan is joined by three pioneering voices in sustainable fashion and textiles: Dr. Laetitia Forst (University of the Arts London), Patrick McDowell (designer and founder of Patrick McDowell), and Philippa "Philly" Grogan (Sustainability Manager at Nobody's Child). Together, they break down the jargon around circular design, and circular business models-exploring why these concepts matter and how the fashion industry can shift from linear to circular ways of thinking and working. What We Cover: * What circular design really means in fashion and textiles, and the three core pillars of circularity * How circular design is being implemented at different scales-from luxury, made-to-order brands to large high street labels * The creative opportunities and technical challenges of designing for recycling, durability, and closed-loop systems * How circular business models like rental, repair, and resale are changing the way we use and value clothing * The importance of storytelling, emotional durability, and customer engagement in making circularity a behaviour change. * The role of emerging technologies, policy, and regulation in accelerating circular innovation  ⭐️ Fashion District Festival [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/fashion-district-festival-2025/]:  3rd - 8th June 2025, London, UK ⭐️ Check out these events and buy your tickets here: * Launch and performance showcase [https://www.fashion- district.co.uk/festival/fashion-district-festival-showcase-2/] * Accelerating Regenerative Fashion [https://www.fashion- district.co.uk/festival/accelerating-regenerative-fashion/] * Circular Design Practice [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/circular- design-practice/] - join our guests for this hands-on workshop * Past and Future fabrics [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/festival/past-future- fabrics/] 💛 Support FLOCC: Help transform Madras lace waste into valuable cotton flock fibre by supporting the FLOCC crowdfunding campaign. Your pledge helps scale sustainable material innovation and keeps textile waste out of landfill. FLOCC Crowdfunder Campaign [https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/flocc-cottonflockfibre] Resources & Further Reading: * Circular Design with Next Gen Materials Guidebook – UAL Research Online [https://ualresearchonline.arts.ac.uk/id/eprint/xxxx] (Laetitia Forst) * Garment Lifecycle Map – Interactive Tool [https://garmentlifecyclemap.com/] * British Fashion Council's Institute of Positive Fashion [https://instituteofpositivefashion.com/] * Future Fabrics Expo [https://www.futurefabricsvirtualexpo.com/] * Centre for Circular Design [https://www.circulardesign.org.uk/] * Try your hand at sewing or repairing a garment-engage with your clothes in a new way! Mili Tharakan:   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   I   Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   I   Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]   I   Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Connect with me: mili@militharakan.com Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  🌱 Ep 20. Ecosystem Builders Transforming Fashion from the Inside Out with Amy Tsang, Georgia Parker and Helen Lax (x Fashion District) 03.04.2025 1h 12min

  Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District Guests: * Amy Tsang, Head of Europe at The Mills Fabrica * Georgia Parker, Innovation Team at Fashion for Good * Helen Lax, Director of Fashion District London This is the 5th in a series of episodes in collaboration with Fashion District - a dynamic hub for fashion innovation in East London, connecting fashion technology, business, and education to support startups with innovation networks, affordable spaces, business guidance, and investment opportunities. This episode of No Ordinary Cloth podcast features an insightful discussion with three prominent ecosystem builders in the fashion and textile industry: Amy Tsang, Georgia Parker and Helen Lax. They delve into the crucial role of ecosystem partners in driving innovation and sustainability within the industry. The conversation covers various aspects of supporting startups, including common challenges faced by innovators, such as funding, scaling production, and navigating the complexities of the fashion industry. The guests highlight the importance of collaboration and alignment among different stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions. They also stress the need for greater alignment with policymakers to drive meaningful change in the industry. The episode explores the role of ecosystem builders in supporting startups through various stages of growth, from incubation to scaling. The guests share insights on impact measurement and the importance of founder wellbeing as well. Looking ahead, the guests envision an even more critical role for ecosystem builders in facilitating industry-wide collaboration, addressing knowledge gaps, and helping stakeholders navigate the complex landscape of innovation and sustainability in fashion and textiles. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes about cherished textile items, highlighting the emotional connections we form with clothing and the potential for long-lasting, quality garments to be passed down through generations. Key Topics Discussed: * The role of ecosystem builders in driving innovation in fashion and textiles * Common challenges faced by startups in the fashion industry * Programs and support offered by The Mills Fabrica, Fashion for Good, and Fashion District London * Building successful fashion innovation ecosystems * Emerging technologies and trends transforming the fashion industry * The importance of collaboration between ecosystem partners * Funding and investment opportunities for fashion startups * Measuring impact and success in fashion innovation Fashion District London [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/]  l  Fashion District Festival 2025 [https://www.fashion-district.co.uk/fashion-district-festival-2025-2/] Fashion for Good [https://www.fashionforgood.com/] The Mills Fabrica [https://www.themillsfabrica.com/] World of waste [https://www.worldofwaste.co/]  Mili Tharakan: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   l   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   l   Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Contact me: No Ordinary Cloth [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/] Recommended listening: Ep 18. Investor Insights for Fashion and Textile Startups Ep 12. Strategies and Ecosystems for Fashion / Textile Startup Success Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 19. Now and the Future of Smart Textiles with Victoria Nickerson 18.03.2025 49min

  In this special episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we're joined by Victoria, the Material Innovation Lead at the World Textile Information Network (WTIN). Victoria shares her insights on the rapidly evolving field of smart textiles, highlighting key innovations and challenges in this industry. We discuss how smart textiles are bridging the gap between textiles, electronics, and computing, and explore emerging trends such as self-powered textiles and bio-based solutions. Victoria also discusses the importance of sustainability and circularity in the smart textile industry. About WTIN: WTIN is a leading provider of specialist insights and data-driven intelligence for businesses across the textiles and power value chain. Their primary focus is on high-growth markets such as material innovation, industry digitalisation, and technical textiles. WTIN operates on a subscription basis, offering a wide range of digital content, including in-depth reports, company profiles, podcasts, and conferences. Key Points: * Smart Textiles Database: Victoria discusses her comprehensive smart textile database, which connects companies across the supply chain, from conductive yarns to integrators who help develop commercially viable products. * Emerging Trends: We explore emerging trends in smart textiles, including self-powered textiles and bio-based solutions. * Collaboration: This episode is a special collaboration with WTIN's Textile Innovation Podcast, welcoming their listeners to our community. World Textile Information Network (WTiN):   Website [https://www.wtin.com/]   l   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-textile-information-network/posts/?feedView=all] Textile Innovation:   Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/6FrTyjWa2B5dR3ih68i7CF?si=226d32665ed34908] You can connect with me here:   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   l   Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   l   Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Email me: No Ordinary Cloth [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 18: Investor Insights for Fashion and Textile Startups with Gabbie Swycher, Joseph Aziz and Nic Gorini (x Fashion District) 12.02.2025 1h 6min

  Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District In this episode, host Mili Tharakan partners with Fashion District London to bring an insightful discussion on securing investment in the textile and fashion industries. Featuring three seasoned venture capitalists—Gabbie Swycher (Redrice Ventures), Joseph Aziz (True Global), and Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures)—the conversation explores what investors look for in startups, actionable advice for founders, and the trends shaping the future of sustainable fashion. Whether you're a founder seeking funding or an industry professional curious about investment dynamics, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Fashion District is a hub for fashion innovation in east London. They connect fashion, technology, business and education to provide an ecosystem of support for fashion and textile startups that includes innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment. Topics covered on this episode: 1. Investor Expectations:The importance of founder resilience, passion, and purpose in early-stage startups. How startups can demonstrate traction, scalability, and market potential to secure funding. 2. Actionable Advice for Founders:Tips for crafting a compelling pitch deck and avoiding common mistakes. How to identify the right investors by researching portfolios, mandates, and value alignment. The significance of building strong networks and understanding your target audience. 3. Sustainability and Circularity:Key factors investors assess when evaluating sustainable innovations in textiles and fashion. The role of regulation, measurable impact, and integration into existing systems in driving investment decisions. 4. Emerging Investment Trends:The rise of circular fashion, re-commerce platforms, traceability technologies, and regulatory-driven opportunities. Insights into the challenges and opportunities in biomaterials and new business models. Meet the Expert Guests: * Gabbie Swycher (Redrice Ventures [https://www.redriceventures.com/]): Principal at Redrice Ventures, specializing in early-stage investments in purpose-driven consumer brands and tech across the UK. * Joseph Aziz (True Global [https://www.true.global/about/]): Investor at True Global, focusing on early-stage consumer and retail startups with a robust network of corporate partners to support scaling efforts. * Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures [https://spin.vc/]): Founder of Spin Ventures, a niche boutique fund dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy through innovative technologies. Resources: * Venture Deals [https://www.venturedeals.com/] by Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson – A guide to understanding venture capital for first-time founders. * Waste to Wealth [https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781137530684?gC=5a105e8b&gad_source=4&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zrsSli_3R5Z3B5V6g61MhCTkThNpLWvGjxJfRUU9F_slnEX5qyYJfRoC9T0QAvD_BwE] by Peter Lacy – Exploring business models behind circular practices. * Estia Ryan's [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/estia-ryan_as-we-settle-in-to-2025-im-sharing-a-few-activity-7283469642960928768-lk8H/] LinkedIn post on newsletters in consumer sustainability spaces. You can connect with me here: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]  I  Insta [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]  I  Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Email me: No Ordinary Cloth [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 17. Scaling an E-textiles Startup and Soft Electronics for the Auto Industry with Madison Maxey 04.11.2024 1h 2min

  Join us on this episode of No Ordinary Cloth as we welcome Madison Maxey, the visionary founder and CEO of Loomia, a pioneering company in e-textiles. Host Mili Tharakan sits down with Maddy to explore her incredible journey from fashion design at Parsons to creating cutting-edge, soft and flexible electronics that are now making way into the automotive and robotics industries. In this episode, Maddy shares her story of resilience, innovation, and the highs and lows of building a business in a challenging industry. Loomia's breakthrough LEL (Loomia Electronic Layer) technology is helping redefine how we think about integrating electronics with textiles for better electro-mechanical properties but the road hasn't been easy. With limited funding and market interest in e-textiles, Maddy has successfully built a revenue-generating e-textile startup. For many listeners working in emerging textile technologies, this conversation will resonate deeply. As you work to find that elusive product-market fit, early adopters, and the right market, Maddy's insights offer a beacon of hope and practical strategies for navigating this complex journey. We dive into the real challenges of turning prototypes into products, and Maddy highlights the role of perseverance and customer obsession in creating a successful business. She also shares career advice for aspiring e-textilers and her vision for the future of this rapidly evolving field. Discover the fascinating intersections of textile, electronics and engineering — and gain invaluable insights on what it takes to make an impact in e-textiles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with insights, strategies, mindsets for textile entrepreneurs. Loomia:   Website [https://www.loomia.com/]   I   Samples [https://www.loomia.com/samples]   I   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonmaxey/] Mili Tharakan:   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   I   Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   I   Buy me a coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Contact me: No Ordinary Cloth [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8] Recommended listening: Ep 9. Disobebient Fabrics: A Journey in Smart Textiles with Linda Worbin [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-ordinary-cloth-intersection-of-textiles-emerging/id1708624072?i=1000653958302] Ep 3. Knitting Mathematics and Musical Textiles with Sophie Skach [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-ordinary-cloth-intersection-of-textiles-emerging/id1708624072?i=1000636377317] Ep 1. Light and Lace with Sara Robertson [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-ordinary-cloth-intersection-of-textiles-emerging/id1708624072?i=1000630705871] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman
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  Ep 16. A Catalyst Shaping the Future of Sustainable and Ethical Fabric with Nina Marenzi and Amanda Johnston 29.09.2024 1h 20min

  In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, I sit down with Nina and Amanda, the brilliant minds behind the Future Fabrics Expo, to dive deep into how they're revolutionising the textile and fashion industries through an expo that drives sustainability and innovation. The Future Fabrics Expo has become a key platform in the industry, showcasing thousands of sustainable materials and driving discussions around environmental responsibility, circularity, and collaboration across disciplines to drive the change we want to see in the Fashion and Textile industry. We explore the growing need for materials that have a positive impact on both the planet and the people working in the supply chain, and discuss how interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to scaling these innovations. Additionally, we take a hard look at the issue of overproduction and how brands need to rethink their business models to prioritise circularity and reduce waste. Whether you're a designer, innovator, or sustainability advocate, this episode is packed with insights about the future of sustainable fabrics and why the Future Fabrics Expo is a must-attend event for anyone in the fashion, textile, home and interiors industry. Key Takeaways: 1. The Future Fabrics Expo is not just about showcasing eco-friendly materials—it's about finding materials that have a net-positive impact on the environment and communities. 2. Cross-industry collaboration is vital for the future of fashion. Partnerships between designers, scientists, and manufacturers are driving textile innovations forward. 3. The fashion industry must address overproduction and overconsumption by adopting circular business models and focusing on sustainable growth. Highlights: * The origins of the Future Fabrics Expo and how it grew into one of the most anticipated events in the sustainable fashion calendar. * Why materials with regenerative qualities are crucial for the future of the textile industry. * The role of collaboration between fashion designers, material scientists, and sustainability experts in creating scalable solutions. * The challenges and opportunities that come with shifting toward more sustainable practices in fashion, including circularity and on-demand manufacturing. * A preview of what to expect at the Future Fabrics Expo in New York, happening on November 19th and 20th, 2024. * Hear from attendees and exhibitors about their experience at the Future Fabrics Expo London 2024 Join me on my journey to craft the future of this podcast. I would love to hear your feedback and ideas for the podcast. Get in touch with me here: Contact me [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/contact-8]  The Sustainable Angle:  Website [https://2ly.link/1zz9Z]   I   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesustainableangle/]  I   Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesustainableangle/] Future Fabrics Expo NYC Edition, November 19 - 20th, 2024. Register here [https://2ly.link/1zz9Z] Seminar Series 2024: Listen here [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuUGJrLBVT1BmVdXh8Kb5Y7IReXAwYz3N] No Ordinary Cloth:   Website [https://www.noordinarycloth.com/]   I   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtharakan/]   I   Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/noordinarycloth/]   I   Buy me a coffee [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/noordinarycloth] Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman