Talent Talks: Beibei Tang

Beibei Tang regenerates a connection between past and present, nature and fashion. Intertwining cultural heritage and cutting-edge biodesign, the Chinese fashion designer emerges as a visionary in the realm of sustainable fashion. Her innovative collection, Rammix, not only revitalizes the underappreciated ramie plant but also reimagines its potential through a unique Bio-Jacket system.

Could you please introduce yourself? 

I am 25 years old and come from Sichuan, China. I am currently an interdisciplinary fashion designer focusing on exploring the innovative integration of biodesign with clothing and textiles. I initially spent two years studying landscape architecture in China before moving to Italy to study fashion design. This experience laid the groundwork for my later interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, I chose to pursue MA studies in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins. Drawing from my diverse background, I have always been interested in exploring innovative collaborations across different disciplines. I believe that the collision of thinking from various fields can spark incredible inspiration and introduce new solutions for sustainable design.

Having graduated recently, how do you look back on your studies? 

From my BA to MA studies, I have explored three different design disciplines, which has continuously refined my thinking and design approach. Throughout this journey, I have acquired design techniques from various fields and deepened my interdisciplinary mindset, allowing me to view design challenges from a more comprehensive perspective. This has also enriched my understanding of sustainable fashion. This diverse learning experience has enabled me to blend knowledge from different areas and find unique angles in my design process, ultimately creating work that is more innovative and meaningful.

Could you please tell us something about your graduation collection/project?

Ramie, a crop unique to the southwest of China and mainly used for textiles, accounts for 90% of global ramie fiber production. In recent years, unstable climate and resource scarcity have led to a reduction in the production of ramie. This has resulted in the local agricultural industry faced with challenges of cultural loss and economic decline.

RamMix aims to design a Bio-degradable jacket system using ramie plants, allowing users to mix and match different elements daily. Biotechnology is replacing traditional chemical extraction methods for fibers and pigments. More eco-friendly materials are then combined with the production techniques of Shu brocade (traditional Chinese fabric) to design weaving patterns and apply them to different clothing pieces. Additionally, surplus waste from ramie is used to synthesize biodegradable materials for making buttons of various shapes and colors.

All materials are derived from ramie and are fully biodegradable:The textile is woven on the table loom using ramie fibers after degumming with enzymes. The dye for the fibers is extracted from ramie leaves and roots. The buttons are made from ramie waste and microcrystalline cellulose.

Which materials, techniques, programmes and/or applications are you mostly interested in? 

Currently, I am particularly interested in exploring natural waste materials, such as agricultural waste, as they present challenges like the ramie waste issue showcased in my work, which is also a challenge faced by my hometown. Through my designs, I hope to raise public awareness of the ramie plant and, by integrating biodesign methods, create sustainable works that promote both environmental consciousness and the cultural significance of this resource.

The exhibition you are a part of looks into meaning of regeneration. What does regeneration mean to you and your work? 

To me, regeneration means breathing new life into something that might otherwise be overlooked or discarded. In my work, this concept is embodied through the transformation of ramie, a crop that has long been valued for its fibers but often results in significant waste. By using biotechnology to extract fibers, pigments, and other elements from both the plant and its waste, I aim to create a sustainable, closed-loop system that gives renewed purpose to every part of the ramie plant. 

My project, RamMix, is a manifestation of regeneration—not just in terms of material use but also in reviving cultural traditions. By combining modern biotechnological processes with the ancient craft of Shu brocade, I seek to regenerate a connection between past and present, nature and fashion. The biodegradable jacket system I’ve created is a symbol of how innovation can emerge from traditional resources, offering a sustainable approach that regenerates both the environment and cultural heritage.

How do you perceive the meaning and importance of community within the fashion field?

I believe that the community holds a transformative and developmental role in the fashion industry. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring creativity, and driving innovation. A community brings people together to discuss current challenges, communicate ideas, and envision a sustainable future, fostering an environment rich in diversity that stimulates new perspectives. Additionally, the fashion community has the power to create a more inclusive and conscious industry, encouraging people to pay attention to the stories, traditions, and cultures behind each piece, while allowing designers to express their unique personalities.

How do you view the future of fashion? And your own role therein? 

I believe that the future of fashion will be driven by green sustainability, inclusivity and technological innovation. There will be a growing emphasis on environmental awareness and the use of innovative, eco-friendly materials. As consumers increasingly seek emotional value in products, fashion will evolve into a field that values quality and the stories behind each garment.

In this evolving landscape, my role will be to advance the integration of sustainable practices, particularly through biodesign and the use of renewable resources like ramie. I aim to develop innovative, eco-friendly textiles and designs that not only reduce waste but also preserve cultural heritage and craftsmanship. By combining traditional techniques with modern technology, I hope to inspire others to see fashion as a tool for positive change, leading the way towards a future where fashion is not just about what we wear, but about how it connects us to our environment and communities.