Without plastics, many of today’s fashions wouldn’t be possible. Plastics help put the stretch in skinny jeans and socks, give dress clothes their shimmer, keep outerwear lightweight and water-resistant and enable accessories to be molded into all sorts of funky shapes. From nylon, polyester and spandex to faux fur, rayon and even recycled plastics, the fashion world has embraced these materials and taken design to heights not imagined at the turn of the century when plastic fibers in clothing first entered the mainstream. Plastic-based fabrics are revered for their versatility and durability, helping fuel designers’ imaginations and consistently allowing artists to create pieces that are cutting-edge, chic and affordable.

Below are just a few of the fibers and fabrics made possible by plastic. For a list of more, please visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/2010/02/fibers/.

Rayon
Rayon was first developed in Paris in the late 1800s as a man-made alternative to silk. In 1894, British inventors Charles Cross, Edward Bevan and Clayton Beadle patented a practical method of making an improved artificial silk that came to be known as viscose rayon. Avtex Fibers Incorporated produced the first commercial artificial silk or rayon in 1910 in the United States. This new material was widely used in the early 1900s and acclaimed for its silk-like sheen and draping effects. Rayon also dyed well and often was used to make lingerie for the lower end of the market. Rayon has endured many new styles and trends though the decades, enjoying a revolution of sorts in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it is still widely used, often combining with other materials to create velvet, brocade, damask and other fabrics.

Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that was first developed in the 1930s by Wallace Carothers at DuPont. Intended as a replacement for silk, nylon became popular in many products during World War II when silk became scarce, finding uses in military applications such as parachutes, flak vests and ropes, as well as vehicle tires. Though first sold commercially in a nylon-bristled toothbrush in 1938, it’s more famously known for replacing silk in women’s stockings, which soon took on the generic name “nylons.” Nylon still is manufactured by DuPont and valued for its light weight, incredible tensile strength, durability and resistance to damage. It also takes dye easily, making nylon fabrics available in a wide array of colors for consumers.

Polyester
Scrunch it, pull it, wash it – without any wear and wrinkles. In the 1960s and 1970s, Polyester was the fabric of choice in a changing economy of speed, efficiency and convenience. The innovation of polyester led to many revolutionary uses, including, most notably, performance fleece outerwear and the swimsuits used by many of the world’s top athletes. In addition, polyester can be blended with other fibers such as cotton to create many stylish looks and even recycled beverage bottles can be used to make polyester and fleece, providing the desirable durability of permanent-press traits for modern fashion staples. Indeed, permanent press is also the result of chemistry. In the 1950s, Ruth Rogan Benerito, a researcher at the Cotton Chemical Reactions Laboratory, discovered certain chemicals could make cellulose fibers wrinkle-resistant. Other scientists fine-tuned her formula and soon, permanent-press fabrics were born.

The use of the polyester dropped off in the late 80s and 90s, but it is experiencing resurgence due to the emergence of luxury fibers like polyester microfiber and various polyester blends, ensuring that versatile polyester has a long life in fashion for years to come.

Organza
Organza is a thin, sheer style of fabric traditionally made from silk, but today many organzas are woven with plastic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon to enable them to be more durable and practical than silk. Organza is a staple of formal dresses and other delicate wardrobe pieces. Organza has a fluid movement and graceful drape, valued in full skirts and evening gowns, and wraps using organza produce a decidedly sophisticated look. One of the primary applications of organza is in wedding dresses, helping make the big day all the more special. Between wedding attire and uptown evening fashions, organza’s future in the world of fashion is secure.

Taffeta
Taffeta dates back to medieval Europe and historically has been made from silk – today it’s engineered from numerous fibers, including plastics such as nylon and rayon. Taffeta is found in many garments, from the lining of windbreakers to wedding gowns. Many people associate this fabric with luxury and high end garments due to its famously lustrous appearance. The term “taffeta” actually comes from the Persian words for “twisted” and “woven,” and is believed to have been introduced to Europeans through Persia, a major stop along trade routes.

For more information on how fashion benefits from plastics, visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com.

Iconic Fashions Throughout History Made Possible By Plastics:

• Patent leather hobo bags
• Stretch body shapers
• Skinny jeans
• Weather resistant trench coats
• Performance fleece jackets
• Faux fur collars and jackets
• Lucite shoes and accessories
• Platform heel shoes
• Vinyl mini skirts
• Mesh sneakers
• Non-iron shirts and T-shirts
• Faux horn-rimmed eyeglasses

Plastics Today
As winners of the Plastics Make it PossibleSM and Gen Art designer contest, designer duo WesFeld created an entire collection of womenswear using plastic fibers and plastic-based materials. Known for their draping and unique structuring methods, the two have been using plastic materials such as nylon mesh, poly-satin and plastic boning for years, which allow them to create clean, sophisticated shapes and lines. Plastic fabrics also are very versatile, and many are easy to dye and to manipulate into waves and curves that bring to mind the animals and nature that inspired WesFeld. Visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com for more information on WesFeld and to view behind-the-scenes photos and videos of them creating their debut collection.

What made this show unique was its focus on sustainability and mentorship of fashion designers who were involved.

PLASTIC IS THE NEW BLACK!
ACTRESS KALEY CUOCO PARTNERS WITH
PLASTICS MAKE IT POSSIBLE SM AND GEN ART TO CELEBRATE THE FUTURE OF FASHION – PLASTIC!

“Big Bang Theory” Actress to Host Gen Art “Fresh Faces in Fashion” Los Angeles Show and Announce Designer Competition Showcasing Innovative Plastic-Based Collection

ARLINGTON, VA (October, 27, 2009) –This year plastic has become the newest trend in couture. From Paris to Milan to New York, plastics are showing up in a variety of innovative and unusual ways on the runway including funky jewelry, 10-inch platform shoes and even sequined mini-dresses made from recycled plastic bottles. Celebrating this up-and-coming trend, Plastics Make it PossibleSM, sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council, will present the Gen Art “Fresh Faces in Fashion” Los Angeles Show on October 29, hosted by actress Kaley Cuoco, star of the popular CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory.

“Plastics and couture might not seem like an obvious fit, but the fact is that plastics have played a very large role in fashion for decades,” said Steve Russell, vice president, Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council. “Without plastic, we wouldn’t have faux fur, and skinny jeans wouldn’t have their stretch. Plastics also provide women with comfortable, smooth support under their favorite looks.  We’re thrilled to partner with Gen Art to highlight how plastics inspire designers’ imaginations and allow artists to create pieces that are cutting-edge, on trend, chic, affordable, and even eco-friendly.”

The “Fresh Faces in Fashion” show is the first in a series of events sponsored by Plastics Make it PossibleSM as part of a new partnership with Gen Art aimed at showcasing the creative use of plastics in fashion design and the ways in which up-and-coming designers are applying them to today’s – and tomorrow’s – trends. Whether it’s polyester, nylon, spandex or Lycra®, the fashion and design world has embraced these plastic materials.

At the show Kaley Cuoco will announce a nationwide fashion design competition challenging new and established designers to create two dynamic womenswear looks made from fabrics that include plastic-based fibers such as chiffon, rayon, nylon and more.

These looks will be posted to Gen Art’s online community where designers can create their own profile page and upload their designs as well as network with others in the designer community. Consumers can go to www.discover.genart.org and vote for their favorite looks. The winner of the contest will receive a $10,000 prize and a runway show at Gen Art’s Fresh Faces event at Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week.

Beginning October 29, interested designers can submit their creations on www.discover.genart.org. All entries must be submitted by December 1 and public voting runs through December 15. The winner will be notified on December 21. To learn more about Plastics Make it PossibleSM, visit: www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com.

“In my business, I need to stay on top of trends and I love to support up-and-coming designers wherever possible,” said Kaley Cuoco, who is currently starring as Penny in the third season of The Big Bang Theory. “I’m very excited to work with Plastics Make it PossibleSM as they challenge designers to create innovative looks using plastics and recycled plastic fabrics.”

The Gen Art “Fresh Faces in Fashion” show, presented by Plastics Make it PossibleSM, will take place on opening night of Rock Fashion Week in Los Angeles, October 29, at the impressive Peterson Automotive Museum. Entering its 15th year, the show traditionally draws over 1,200 attendees and has launched the careers of leading designers such as: Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Shoshanna and Milly. A star-studded after-party will take place in a specially designed plastic-themed lounge after the show.

“We are thrilled to be working with Plastics Make it PossibleSM on this multi-faceted design partnership that will showcase and benefit emerging fashion designers, “ said Ian Gerard, CEO of Gen Art. “We hope to help make consumers aware of the incredible variety of innovative plastic-based design fibers that most of us wear daily.”

About Plastics Make it PossibleSM
Plastics Make it PossibleSM highlights the many ways plastics inspire innovations that improve our lives, solve big problems and help us design a safer, more promising future. Plastics Make it PossibleSM is sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council. For more information, visit www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com.

About Gen Art
Gen Art is the nation’s leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. Gen Art produces over 100 events annually, ranging from weeklong film festivals to massive star-studded fashion shows, live music performances, art exhibitions, multimedia events and more. Since 1993 Gen Art has been championing the arts by creating and producing events and exhibits that have helped accelerate the careers of hundreds of young artists.

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $689 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy. It is one of the nation’s largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.