"What would it mean to grow your own clothes? If the design was done in part by another living being, what implications does that have for fashion? How do we design beyond the shortsighted model of the human as a separate entity within nature? Can design be performed against the grain of the absolute individuation of subjectivity? Can we design with collective intelligence? Are bio-textiles really more sustainable? Can sustainability be more than a trend? These are some of the questions we will address through this hybrid theory-praxis course. Students will be introduced to various methods of creating bio-textiles (bacteria, yeast, mycelium, algae, bioplastic..etc) while simultaneously engaged in close readings of select texts and media. No previous experience required.