Bioluminescence ✨

 

Bioluminescence is the name of the capsule collection inspired by the Bioluminescence of the seas, a phenomenon that can occur on beaches that contain species of phytoplankton (a group of microscopic aquatic organisms that have the ability to photosynthesise). After coming into contact with the breaking waves, the phenomenon of bioluminescence occurs, in which chemical energy is transformed into light energy. The seawater ends up glowing (Quinta, 2023).

This natural phenomenon has been known for thousands of years and has aroused interest. According to João Lara Mesquita, some historians believe that ancient Chinese poetry made the first record of this light, but it was the Greeks and Romans who made explicit and systematic observations about this event. The first Greek reference to marine phosphorescence dates back to 500 BC. Aristotle (384 - 332 BC) recorded bioluminescence in detail and during his study, he discovered that these organisms were capable of lighting up on their own. A few centuries later, Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) wrote Naturalis Historia, an account of human knowledge at the time, where he detailed bioluminescent organisms, including fireflies and jellyfish (Mesquita, 2021).

According to National Geographic Portugal, this natural phenomenon is likely to be glimpsed all along the Portuguese coastline, as it is present in the agitation of the waters, caused both by passing boats and by the agitation of the tide or bathers (Quinta, 2023).

This year, 2024, the phenomenon of Bioluminescence was spotted on 28 July in the waves at Vila Chã beach in Vila do Conde, in the district of Porto, Portugal. Thanks to the high temperatures and the presence of nitrogen in the water, a surprising fluorescent blue colour appeared as the water churned (Oliveira, 2024).

Inspired by this natural phenomenon, the Bioluminescence or Lumini collection was created, depicting moments of hope and success in the search for this phenomenon, since there is no prior warning before it happens. Illustrating the luck of finding and glimpsing this event. It is a reflection of the personal moment experienced by the designer in her search for internal, professional and current growth, preventing stagnation in time and space.

It's a genderless collection, based on classic oversized pieces in flat patterning, contrasting with other pieces that were produced with three-dimensional patterning, creating a parallel between seawater and seawater flourishing after contact with phytoplankton organisms. A single pattern was created and applied to some of the pieces in the collection. A colour palette was used, highlighting colours such as lilac, blue, green, yellow, pink and silver. Eco-friendy materials such as pinatex (fibres produced from pineapples), organic cotton, mother-of-pearl buttons (material produced from sea shells) and recycled raw materials were used, highlighting the importance of more sustainable habits today. A collection made up of colourful garments, where a pattern was created with multiple colours and shapes, the printing was done in a sustainable way, since the inks used are ecological and certified, which proves their sustainability, on organic cotton poplin fabric, used to make several pieces in this collection. This printed fabric was used to make long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, tops, shorts and trousers.