No Ordinary Cloth: Intersection of textiles, emerging technology, craft and sustainability

Mili Tharakan
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Textiles matter! It is the most ubiquitous and powerful material we live with - it has the power to fulfil both our senses and our soul.  Join Mili Tharakan, a Smart Textiles designer and researcher with 20+ years experience, as she speaks to textile makers, engineers, bio-chemists, material scientists, artists, innovators and others who are pushing the boundaries of the Textile and Fashion industry by creating textiles that challenge the very meaning, role and function of fabrics as we know it today. Through her conversations and insights with global experts, she brings alive the myriad facets of the world of Textiles - a world where there are no ordinary cloths and fabrics have the power to change us and our world. So listen in and be inspired, learn, find connections and create extraordinary textiles... Connect with Mili Tharakan: Email: mili@militharakan.com www.noordinarycloth.com Instagram  I  Linkedin Your support means the world to me, if you enjoyed this podcast why not consider buying me a coffee Credits Cover art: Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

  1. 🌱 Ep 29. Cotton, Soil & Solar: Re‑imagining the "Quiet King" of Textiles with Catherine Bottrill and Felix Bartlett (x Fashion District)

    2D AGO

    🌱 Ep 29. Cotton, Soil & Solar: Re‑imagining the "Quiet King" of Textiles with Catherine Bottrill and Felix Bartlett (x Fashion District)

    This is a special episode in partnership with Fashion District London. In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we go back to where the cotton story truly begins: in the soil and in small farming communities. Mili is joined by Felix Bartlett, founder of Biothread, and Dr. Catherine Bottrill, co‑founder of ACE (Affordable Clean Environment) Cotton, to explore how regenerative farming, microbial science and clean energy can transform the future of the world’s favourite fibre. Together they unpack the small and large scale cotton farming industry and ask what it would mean for cotton to become a force for regeneration: rebuilding soil health, cutting emissions and creating real wealth and dignity for the people who grow it. In this episode, we talk about: Why cotton is still the “quiet king” of textiles – beloved by the richest and the poorest, and deeply bound up with power, politics and identity. The difference between conventional, organic and regenerative cotton – and why “regenerative” is as much a process and pathway as an end state. How Biothread uses microbial consortia and field trials to reduce synthetic fertiliser use, improve yields and strengthen soil health in cotton systems. The social realities behind cotton: farmer debt, crop failure, climate volatility and why soil degradation sits at the heart of many of these crises. ACE Cotton’s village‑level model in South Asia – combining solar irrigation, clean household energy and biodiversity projects to support just decarbonisation. How brand decarbonisation targets, farm‑level emissions and smallholder energy access can be aligned so climate action also builds resilience and opportunity. The role of data, measurement and software in proving impact – from input reductions and yield changes to carbon, water and livelihoods metrics. Farmer trust, pilots and “show and tell”: what it takes to introduce new technologies and financing models into communities where risk is already high. Why cotton must be protected as the most widely used natural fibre if we are to avoid a fully synthetic future for fashion.  The power of storytelling in shifting cotton from “cheap commodity” to living system – and how Felix and Catherine draw on their own backgrounds to do that work.Pilio Group ACE Village BioThread Fashion District London Books on the history of cotton explore its role as a global commodity that shaped modern capitalism, industrialisation, and imperialism Empire of Cotton: A Global History : Sven Beckert A History of the Cotton Industry : Anthony Burton Cotton (Textiles that Changed the World) : Beverly LemireConnect with me: LinkedIn  I  Buy me a Coffee Recommended listening: Ep 25. Turning Agri Waste to Cellulose Fibre Ep 14. Farm to Fibre Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 11m
  2. Ep 28. AI Robotics for Fabrics and the Future of Stitchless Garment Making with Cam Myers

    FEB 3

    Ep 28. AI Robotics for Fabrics and the Future of Stitchless Garment Making with Cam Myers

    This episode goes deep into the complexity of how our clothes are cut and sewn today and what it will take to rebuild apparel manufacturing for the 21st century. Mili Tharakan is joined by Cam Myers, Founder, CEO and Board Director of CreateMe Technologies, who shares how his team is pioneering an autonomous, stitchless tailoring platform that brings together robotics, advanced adhesives and what he calls “Physical AI.” Cam is a seasoned entrepreneur and inventor with two decades of experience across automation, hardware, software, and apparel tech, he has built CreateMe from concept to industry pioneer, securing 25 patents for apparel automation innovations. Before CreateMe, Cam played key roles at DoubleClick (during its $3.1B sale to Google) and Group Commerce, a venture‑backed e‑commerce platform later acquired by Blackhawk Network. He began his career in investment banking at Allen & Company and holds an MA from Cambridge and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School, with further studies at MIT in advanced manufacturing. Key takeaways Why apparel remains one of the most labor‑intensive, offshored industries in the world, employing tens of millions of people and relying heavily on manual sewing. What makes sewing so hard to automate: unstable textile physics, extreme variability in fabrics and fits, and the need for human‑like perception and dexterity in three‑dimensional space. How CreateMe’s bonded garment technology uses printed adhesive patterns that mimic stitch files, enable fully automated assembly, and can be made thermo‑reversible for disassembly and recycling. Where this platform is already being applied—starting with categories like women’s underwear—and the range of fabrics, constructions, and embellishments it can support, from fine silks to complex laminations. The vision for on‑shoring and “microfactories of the future”: compact, high‑throughput production cells capable of million‑unit annual output, shorter lead times, and closer proximity to key consumer markets What this shift could mean for inventory risk, responsiveness, sustainability, and the economics of producing apparel in high‑wage regions. Cam’s founder journey from investment banking and high‑growth tech and e‑commerce ventures to building CreateMe into an apparel automation pioneer with a growing portfolio of patents—and why textiles should be seen as critical infrastructure, not just fashion trends.CreateMe London Sewing Machine museum: www.museumslondon.org 🎧 Recommended listening: Ep 6. AI for Zero waste fabric, Sustainability and Traceability in Textile Factories Ep 13. 3D Weaving yarn to garment and zero inventory circular fashion Connect with me Mili Tharakan:  Linkedin  I  Insta  I  Website  I  Buy me a coffee ❤️ If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 25m
  3. Ep 27. Sustainability Through Longevity: Emotional Durability in Fashion with Charles Ross

    JAN 7

    Ep 27. Sustainability Through Longevity: Emotional Durability in Fashion with Charles Ross

    In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, we sit down with Charles Ross, Performance Sportswear Design Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, to explore what durability and sustainability looks like in the fashion and sportswear industries. Charles has spent over two decades at the intersection of functional design and environmental responsibility, championing the idea of sustainability through longevity — creating durable, meaningful clothing that stands the test of time. Together, we unpack the idea of emotional durability: how designers can foster deeper connections between people and their garments, making us value what we wear more and waste less. Charles shares insights from his extensive experience working with brands like Patagonia, The North Face and Adidas as well as from his teaching, research, and outdoor pursuits that inform his hands-on approach to design. It's an episode where you will laugh and learn from one of the legends of outdoor and performance wear. Key Takeaways Designing for both physical and emotional longevity is one of fashion’s most sustainable acts. Storytelling, authenticity, and personal connection drive emotional durability. Consumers are more likely to repair, care for, and retain garments they’re emotionally attached to. The sportswear sector can lead in circular thinking by blending innovation with human-centered design. Longevity is not just about how long clothes last, but how long they matter.Resources: DO Lectures A Climate of Truth by Mike Bernes-Lee There is No Planet B by Mike Bernes-Lee Performance Days Connect with Charles Ross: LinkedIn Connect with Mili Tharakan: LinkedIn I Insta I Website I Buy me a coffee If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 17m
  4. Ep 26. Clothing Poverty, Pre-loved South Asian Wedding Fashion and Building Community for Change with Anoli Mehta and Sol Escobar (x Fashion District)

    10/16/2025

    Ep 26. Clothing Poverty, Pre-loved South Asian Wedding Fashion and Building Community for Change with Anoli Mehta and Sol Escobar (x Fashion District)

    Special episode by No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District In this episode, Mili speaks with Sol Escobar, founder of Give Your Best, and Anoli Mehta, founder of Circular Threads, two inspiring women tackling fashion’s social and environmental challenges from different angles. Sol’s award-winning social enterprise helps bridge the gap between clothing waste and clothing poverty by allowing people in need—such as refugees and survivors of domestic violence—to shop donated fashion online for free, preserving choice and dignity while promoting circularity. Meanwhile, Anoli’s platform gives South Asian wedding and occasion wear a meaningful second life by creating a space for people to buy, sell, and rediscover preloved garments, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.  Both founders are proving that community-driven circularity—whether through redistribution or resale—can reshape the fashion system, reducing waste while building inclusivity and meaningful connection in how we consume and value clothes Key Topics Discussed: How Sol and Anoli’s businesses address fashion waste and offer alternatives to buying new The problem of clothing poverty in the UK and how Give Your Best gives agency and dignity to vulnerable individuals through free shopping for donated clothes The challenge of overconsumption and the cultural significance of South Asian fashion, and how Circular Threads is building a dedicated marketplace for preloved occasion wear The power of community: building genuine connections with buyers, sellers, donors and volunteers Stories of personal identity, belonging, and the emotional meaning tied to clothing Behind-the-scenes experiences in entrepreneurship, including overcoming failure, learning resilience, and finding inspiration from lived experiences What success looks like—impact, culture shift and empowering othersCalls to Action: Listeners are invited to support both projects by donating clothing, becoming a volunteer, attending events, or simply spreading the word to raise awareness Anyone with South Asian outfits or formalwear they no longer use is encouraged to visit Circular Threads’ store or online marketplace For Give Your Best, all are welcome to donate clothes, connect with local volunteers (“Besties”), and help extend the platform’s mission Join these communities to help fashion last longer than an evening outFollow and connect with Sol Escobar and Anoli Mehta: Give Your Best:  Website   I   Insta Circular Threads:  Website  I   InstaConnect with me Mili Tharakan:  LinkedIn  I  Insta  I  Website  I  Buy me a coffee  If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Recommended listening: Ep 22. Beyond the Bin: fighting against Fashion Waste Ep 21. Circular Fashion in Action: Insights From Luxury and Highstreet Brands Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 12m
  5. Ep 25. Turning Agri Waste to Cellulose Fibre, High-Tech Naturalism and the Making of a Fashion Scientist with Amanda Parkes

    09/29/2025

    Ep 25. Turning Agri Waste to Cellulose Fibre, High-Tech Naturalism and the Making of a Fashion Scientist with Amanda Parkes

    In this episode, host Mili Tharakan, dives deep into the extraordinary mind and career of Amanda Parkes—a true pioneer at the intersection of science, fashion, and engineering. Amanda has consistently challenged boundaries and redefined what’s possible in textiles and sustainability. Amanda Parkes is a renowned fashion scientist with more than 20 years of experience pioneering innovation, sustainability, and smart materials across the fashion and technology sectors. As founding scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at Pangaia, she led the creation of market-first, sustainable materials, helping to earn the brand a top spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Brands list. She holds a PhD and MS from the MIT Media Lab and degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Art History from Stanford. As an Advisor at Regeneration VC Amanda also advises leading climate tech and biomaterials startups and is an internationally recognised speaker, honoured by the Business of Fashion and Vanity Fair for her influential work shaping the industry. In this episode they explore Amanda's latest venture - Mothership Materials, where she is translating cutting-edge molecular separation technology to turn waste into valuable ingredients for the next generation of textiles and glucose for microbes. Amanda's insights offer a hopeful and innovative vision for the future of the textile industry. Key takeaways from this episode include the potential of waste valorisation in creating sustainable textiles, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, and the need for robust business models in sustainable fashion. Mothership Materials 00:00 Introduction to the No Ordinary Cloth Podcast 00:43 Meet Amanda Parkes: A Pioneer in Sustainable Textiles 05:52 Defining the Role of a Fashion Scientist 13:53 Amanda's New Venture: Mothership Materials 36:03 Navigating Interdisciplinary Skills and Innovation Diplomacy 43:44 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling Sustainable Technologies 51:53 Insights from Leading Innovation at Pangaia 01:09:40 Future of Emerging Textile Technologies 01:10:33 AI in Textile Innovation 01:11:18 Regeneration VC Fund's Mission 01:12:50 Challenges in Impact Measurement 01:15:12 Investment Nervousness in Fashion Startups 01:18:43 Career Path and Advice for Young Professionals 01:42:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Pangaia Lab I  Regeneration VC 🎧 Recommended Listening: Ep 14. Farm to Fibre Ep 15. Brewing Beer for Bio Leather Ep 2. From Garden Waste to Leather Ep 16. Catalyst Shaping the Future of Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Connect with me Mili Tharakan:  Linkedin  I  Insta  I  Buy me a coffee  I  Email ❤️ Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 45m
  6. Ep 24. Medicine-Embedded Textiles: Reimagining Fabric for Pain Relief and Healing with Bradley Seese

    08/04/2025

    Ep 24. Medicine-Embedded Textiles: Reimagining Fabric for Pain Relief and Healing with Bradley Seese

    In this episode, host Mili speaks with Bradley Seese,(“The Yarn Geek”), VP of Operations at Clothing 2.0 and a lifelong textile innovator and technical visionary, about the future of medicine-embedded textiles. Learn how Clothing 2.0 is infusing active ingredients like capsaicin (the spicy compound in chili peppers) into yarns to create health-promoting, pain-relieving garments. The conversation spans the science, safety, sustainability, regulatory landscape, and exciting possibilities for smart wearables that do more for our wellbeing—as well as Brad’s passionate journey from North Carolina yarn mills to the frontlines of textile innovation. Key Topics What are medicine-embedded textiles, and how do they work? Capsaicin for pain relief: benefits, science, and use in smart clothing. Sustainability, wash durability, and minimizing waste in health textiles. The challenges and opportunities in bringing textile technology to market. Upskilling and creating new job pathways in US-based manufacturing. Brad’s personal journey and vision for the next wave of smart wearables.Clothing 2.0: Website Resources mentioned by Brad: Manufacturing Solutions Center (for textile innovation and workforce training) Advanced Textile Association Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association Southern Textile Association SEAMS: The Association for the US Sewn Products Industry Hohenstein Institute: International textile test lab and standards organization Connect with Mili Tharakan: Website   I   Linkedin   I   Insta   I   Buy me a cofffee Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 4m
  7. 🌱 Ep 23. Stitching together South American Folklore, Migration and Community with Jennifer Droguett Espinosa (x Fashion District)

    07/18/2025

    🌱 Ep 23. Stitching together South American Folklore, Migration and Community with Jennifer Droguett Espinosa (x Fashion District)

    Special episode by No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District In this episode of No Ordinary Cloth, host Mili speaks with Jennifer Droguett Espinosa, a Colombian and Chilean Sustainable Fashion Designer and Creative Director, and the founder of Anciela. Jennifer shares how her early experiences with migration, identity, and upcycling shaped her personal and creative outlook. She discusses her journey from making her own clothes as a child through to studying fashion in Amsterdam, interning with Viktor & Rolf, and building her career and community in London. Jennifer talks about the origins of Anciela, a brand deeply rooted in storytelling, South American folklore, and experimental tailoring, and grounded on the pillars of culture, sustainability, community, and visibility. She details her creative process, how she layers history, literature, music, and personal memory into collections, and the stories behind some of her signature pieces. The conversation covers Anciela’s approach to circularity, including sustainable material choices, zero-waste techniques, refresh and repair services, and pioneering digital product passports for transparency. Jennifer opens up about collaborating with Latinx creatives, working with diaspora charities, and making fashion more accessible through inclusive events and workshops. She reflects on her time with the Fashion District’s Evo Fashion programme and the British Fashion Council’s low-carbon initiative, highlighting the challenges and rewards of growing a purpose-led business. Jennifer concludes with advice on conscious consumption, the importance of small actions, and the need for more brands to center community, inclusivity, and honest storytelling. Anciela:   Website   I   Linkedin   I   Insta Mili Tharakan:   Website   I   Linkedin   I   Insta   I   Buy me a coffee Resources Evo Fashion - a four-month experiential support programme for emerging brands and fashion technology businesses. It will help you to integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business, taking a holistic approach to business strategy and focusing on supply chain sustainability, ethical working standards, channels to market, and investment readiness. Deadline: 4th August 2025 Low Carbon Transition Programme for SMEs report by British Fashion Council Ellen MacArthur Fashion Revolution The travels of a T-shirt in the global economy, book by Pietra Rivoli One Hundred Years of Solitude, book by Gabriel García Márquez If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

    1h 8m
  8. 🌱 Ep 22. Beyond the Bin: Fight Against Fashion Waste with Annabel Hought and Yayra Agbofah (x Fashion District)

    06/02/2025

    🌱 Ep 22. Beyond the Bin: Fight Against Fashion Waste with Annabel Hought and Yayra Agbofah (x Fashion District)

    Join host Mili Tharakan as she sits down with Annabel Hought from Round Retail and Yayra Agbofah from The Revival to discuss innovative business models for sustainable fashion, the global crisis of textile waste, and the power of cross-border collaboration. This episode dives into the realities of the secondhand clothing market, the importance of community, and creative solutions for reducing waste while supporting vulnerable communities. Key Takeaways Textile waste is a global problem that requires local and international collaboration. The rise of fast and ultra-fast fashion has led to a flood of low-quality, unsellable garments, overwhelming markets like Kantamanto in Ghana. Innovative business models like Round Retail and The Revival show how fashion can be a force for good. Consumer awareness and action are crucial for driving systemic change in the fashion industry. Consumers can drive change by voting with their money and supporting responsible businesses. Reduce stigma around secondhand fashion and foster a more conscious, circular fashion ecosystem.How to SupportDonate or consign clothes to Round RetailFollow and support The Revival’s ongoing efforts to rebuild Kantamanto market and community in Accra, Ghana - DonateAdvocate for extended producer responsibility and more transparent fashion supply chains Fashion District Festival 2025 Fashion District Festival 2025: 3rd - 8th June 2025, Spitalfields, London Launch and performance showcase:  immersive fashion show Rebuild and Reimagine with Round Retail:  bring old clothes for creative upcycling sessions. Accelerating Regenerative Fashion: workshop Circular Design Practice: workshop Past and Future fabrics: talks Connect with me Mili Tharakan:   Linkedin   I   Insta   I   Website   I Buy me a coffee If you enjoyed this, please share the episode with a friend or colleague. Subscribe and leave a review, I love to hear your feedback. Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

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About

Textiles matter! It is the most ubiquitous and powerful material we live with - it has the power to fulfil both our senses and our soul.  Join Mili Tharakan, a Smart Textiles designer and researcher with 20+ years experience, as she speaks to textile makers, engineers, bio-chemists, material scientists, artists, innovators and others who are pushing the boundaries of the Textile and Fashion industry by creating textiles that challenge the very meaning, role and function of fabrics as we know it today. Through her conversations and insights with global experts, she brings alive the myriad facets of the world of Textiles - a world where there are no ordinary cloths and fabrics have the power to change us and our world. So listen in and be inspired, learn, find connections and create extraordinary textiles... Connect with Mili Tharakan: Email: mili@militharakan.com www.noordinarycloth.com Instagram  I  Linkedin Your support means the world to me, if you enjoyed this podcast why not consider buying me a coffee Credits Cover art: Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman

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