Here's an altogether new approach to pattern-making from Zimbabwe-born London designer Natsai Audrey Chieza, one that uses specially cultured herb soil bacteria.
At the centre of Faber Futures is Chieza's discovery that some bacteria, when extracted from herbs like sage, bloom into rich, unique colours when they are cultured.

Applying these to fabrics, a pattern is created that clings to the individual microbes, the result being a particularly lush flourishing of colours. Having shown at Paris' En Vie-Alive, the project was a collaboration with UCL's Ward Lab and Chieza is now exploring whether or not it's possible to use bacteria for creating programmable patterns for fashion brands.