Papinelle x Uluu collaboration introduces state-of-the-art ocean material to high-end fashion
Luxury sleepwear brand Papinelle’s latest collection will feature buttons made from seaweed as part of a collab with Perth biotechnology startup Uluu. The launch marks the first time Uluu’s innovative materials have been used in fashion, in what its inventors see as the start of a revolution across the industry.
The science of style
The Uluu buttons were created by fermenting seaweed with saltwater microbes, in a process similar to brewing beer. The result is a material that behaves like traditional plastic but is completely biodegradable, doesn’t shed microplastics, and actively benefits the environment.
“These buttons may be small, but they represent a major leap in how fashion can rethink materials,” says Dr Julia Reisser, co-founder and co-CEO of Uluu. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Papinelle, who share our belief that beauty and sustainability should go hand in hand.”
Farming seaweed for Uluu production actively removes CO? from the atmosphere and absorbs pollutants from the ocean, helping to restore marine ecosystems rather than deplete them.
Luxury redefined
For Papinelle, a brand synonymous with modern elegance and feminine luxury, the collaboration is an evolution of their commitment to natural materials and conscious craftsmanship. Known for their breathable fabrics and timeless designs, Papinelle has built a 22-year legacy on the principle that luxury and responsibility can coexist.
“It’s about offering our customers something they weren’t expecting – a story behind every detail,” says Renae James, founder and co-creative director of Papinelle.
“Papinelle champions natural fabrics and is passionate about responsible production,” says Nicole Kelly, co-creative director of Papinelle. “We’re delighted to extend this commitment to premium-quality, natural materials with the introduction of ‘made with Uluu’ buttons.”
The partnership emerged through shared values discovered at a sustainable fashion conference, where both brands recognised their aligned vision for innovation that doesn’t compromise on quality or aesthetics.
Fashion forward
For Uluu, the collaboration provides a platform to demonstrate their technology’s versatility before scaling to larger production.
“This launch is an exciting step toward our vision of seaweed-based textiles that can replace polyester,” says Michael Kingsbury, co-founder and co-CEO of Uluu. “Buttons are just the beginning – our materials can replace plastic across rigid products as well as films, foams and fabrics.”
The Papinelle collaboration builds on Uluu’s other successful product partnerships, including a surf wax comb with Quiksilver that was acquired by the Australian National Maritime Museum.
The Papinelle x Uluu collection is available exclusively online at papinelle.com.
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