Alicia Valdés is transforming sustainable fashion by turning everyday bio-waste into innovative textiles. Not only that, they are also visually stunning. Alicia creates designs that not only prevent harming the environment but, when discarded, function as nourishment.

“My idea is that once the garment returns to nature, it won’t harm the environment. Ideally, it even becomes a nutrient, closing the cycle,” Alicia explains. Her design philosophy – „if it’s not biodegradable, I won’t be designing with it“ – reflects her commitment to a circular approach, ensuring that her designs promote regeneration rather than contributing to the appalling status-quo of the industry. As a half-German, half-Mexican designer, she bridges artistic innovation with eco-conscious practices. Inspired by her dual heritage, Alicia’s work is deeply influenced by her family and the natural landscapes of Mexico. Her connection to nature fuels her passion for creating materials that align with the environment.

The fashion industry’s heavy reliance on plastic-based materials, particularly polyester, significantly contributes to plastic pollution and environmental as well as health issues. Even recycled polyester requires energy-intensive processes, highlighting the urgent need for biodegradable materials like Alicia’s. Everyday waste, such as eggshells rich in calcium carbonate, holds untapped potential. “Some food waste like coffee grounds or eggshells, a natural resource, often end up in the trash, but they offer endless possibilities,” Alicia says. This shift in perspective led her to explore her surroundings, repurposing ordinary materials into innovative textiles.

Her kitchen, which doubles as an atelier, is where she experiments with biomaterials, textures, and ideas. Here, she cooks and tests new concepts, observing how biomaterials behave. “The material often designs itself”, she notes, describing how unexpected textures, colors, and patterns emerge during the process.

The materials Alicia creates are not only visually striking but also embody her vision for sustainability. By starting with what is readily available and reimagining bio-waste as a resource, Alicia offers a new perspective on how fashion and textiles can harmonize with the environment. One of her most groundbreaking creations is a leather-like material made with food waste and natural rubber. This fully biodegradable, water-resistant, and compostable material was developed during her Bachelor’s project, “From Food Waste to Garment“.

Living in Paris, Alicia is positioned at the heart of the fashion industry, where she aims to drive change from within. She envisions a future where global legislation, like France’s ban on fast fashion, promotes sustainable practices and materials. By redefining bio-waste into a valuable resource and integrating nature into her designs, she challenges the norms of the traditional fashion industry, proving that creativity and sustainability can thrive together. Alicia Valdés is not just designing fashion; she is designing a future where fashion and nature exist in perfect balance.