GOT MILK?...The Most Unlikely Of Fabrics

Just when you think you've heard it all, more than likely you really haven't and this couldn't ring more true to the fact since I've just recently discovered that along with the usual fabrics that clothing can be created from, such as crepe, silk, linen and cotton, 'milk' is now on the list to choose from.  I initially thought this was a joke when I first stumbled upon it but after putting in some time researching, the info I found is the real deal.  A young fashion designer from Germany has developed a fabric called QMilch that is produced from the high concentrations of protein called casein found in milk.  This is truly the first man made fabric developed entirely without the use of chemicals or chemical byproducts.  It is said to have a silky feel that is void of any smell.  The fabric is even cited as being healthy in that the wearer will reap the benefits of anti aging since the amino acids in the protein have antibacterial properties that aid in cleaning out the free radicals that we are exposed to every day.  In addition, it's believed to be able to regulate the circulatory system and body temperature...

Anke Domaske, 28 of Berlin is a microbiologist in addition to being a fashion designer.  What an unlikely pairing of career choices eh?  Anyhow, her fashion label called Mademoiselle Chi Chi has become a favorite of stars like Mischa Barton & Ashlee Simpson.  She's honest to state the facts that milk fabric is not a new concept and has been around since the 30's but she does however, redeem kudos for being the first to produce it 'au naturale'.

The whole process is rather interesting to conceive of.  The milk protein is removed from the dried milk powder, heated in a type of mincing machine with other natural ingredients and then the fibers come out in strands that are spun into a yarn on a spinning machine.  Domaske states it would take around 6 liters of milk to make an entire dress and that the finished product would cost around $200 American dollars.  In case you were wondering, the heating of the proteins is what keeps it from decomposing.  Pretty cool!

Scientists have found that this milk fiber can also be used for medicinal purposes and even as an additive to cosmetics.  Some car companies are even considering looking into using the milk fiber for upholstery.


This seriously gives new meaning to the term..."GOT MILK?"

pics: mt-online.de.com, vancouver.com, welt.de.com

Emmy Winner Designed Her Own Dress...

Up until this weekend, I had absolutely no idea who actress Melissa McCarthy was and then I saw the hilarious movie 'Bridesmaids' that's out on DVD today.  I'm not one for watching television so the sitcom 'Mike & Molly' that she won her Emmy for 'outstanding lead actress in a comedy series', was news to me!  In an interview she stated that she couldn't find a dress that appealed to her to wear to the yearly event, so she decided to design something for herself.  McCarthy said her love for creating fashions goes way back to her college years as she initially pursued her passion for textiles & fabrics by attending design school with the intent of ending up in that field.  The purple gown created was a joint effort being that she got Danielle Pearl who is a reputable couture dressmaker on board with her in her project.  Melissa was quoted as saying the piece was "wildly comfortable".  In my opinion, the dress did absolutely nothing to flatter her plus size figure and there was a definite lack of lines or variations in patterns to do the job.  I'm totally not fond of the empire waist on full figured gals and the dress was so long that you can't even see the shoes she chose to wear which could have been a focal point for accentuating the otherwise dismal dress.  Because she's rather short, I would have chose a more delicate fabric, like a layered chiffon in anything but deep purple, maybe black with intricate beading accents and perhaps a bolero jacket to give the illusion of height.  Seriously, anything but this!... 

This comedic actress is far from a plain Jane, so it really disappoints me that it was her first time to shine in the spot light and she didn't hit the mark!   


pics: nydailynews.com