If you were one of the many who were repulsed at the thought of Lady Gaga's meat dress, the thought of a fabric made of milk might bemuse you. Seriously? A milk-based fabric? You might wonder if it's washable without dissolving, or, in the event of massive food shortage, if you could eat it. The answers to both questions are yes and maybe.
Anke Domaske, 28, is a successful designer with the Madamoiselle Chi Chi label, which is beloved by many celebrities and movie stars. The young German designer has said that the fabric, called QMilch, is eco-friendly and made from milk that would have been discarded. Casein, which is what milk protein is called, has actually been a part of fabrics since the 1930s. However, Domaske's fabric is the first one that is entirely chemical-free.
It helps that Ms. Domaske has a background in microbiology. She developed the fabric using milk proteins. The process sounds amazingly easy. The milk is dried into a powder and put into a meat-mincing type machine along with other natural ingredients. The fabric is extracted from the machine in strands, which feels surprisingly like silk. Of the fabric, she said, "We have developed an all-natural fibre consisting of a very high concentration of casein, with a few other natural ingredients—and in only two years."
The benefits of a milk-based dress, she continues, are many. The fabric, just like unspun milk, has antibacterial and anti-aging properties. She claims it can also help regulate blood circulation. From just six liters, she can spin enough fabric for one dress. All this from milk that would have been otherwise thrown out.
Domaske's creation is proof that science and fashion can come together to create some pretty amazing things. Take that, Lady Gaga.
Image: Milk fiber yarn, courtesy of polyartgirl
©2011 Reno Berkeley for Gather News.
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