The First Fully Circular Handbag by Balena & Lemon Jelly
Shlomit Ariel explores a new approach to intimate apparel using BioCir®Flex
Developed by textile designer and researcher Shlomit Ariel of CodedMatter Lab, under the supervision of Yoav Sterman, Gaia explores how flexible biopolymer structures can introduce targeted stretch, support and recovery directly into natural-fibre textiles.
The conceptual nursing bra and underwear set combines cotton-knit fabric with auxetic structures designed by Shlomit and 3D printed using Balena’s BioCir® Flex. The structures are heat-bonded precisely where functionality is required, offering a tangible vision for intimate garments designed with performance, material health and end-of-life considerations in mind from the outset.
BioCir® Flex enabled Shlomit to transform digitally developed patterns into durable, flexible structures bonded directly to the textile. By adjusting the geometry, density and placement of these structures, different levels of stretch, recovery and support could be created across the garment.
Developed independently as part of Shlomit Ariel’s thesis research under the supervision of Yoav Sterman, Gaia demonstrates how next-generation materials can open new possibilities for intimate apparel designed with performance, material health and end of life in mind.
