GARMENTS THAT AWAKEN THE SENSES: THE BOTANICAL REVOLUTION OF ALEXANDER BELLO

The power of natural scent and color come together in a new textile experience thanks to ECOFinish technology.

Within the European project Re-FREAM, designer Alexander Bello has shaped an innovative and deeply sensorial proposal: Neo Botanical Tailoring. His idea starts from a premise that is both simple and revolutionary: what if clothing were not only worn, but also felt, smelled, and capable of influencing our mood?

At Care Applications, we supported this vision by taking our ECOFinish atomization technology to the next level. Together with Bello, we developed processes that allow natural dyes and aromatic microcapsules to be applied directly onto fabrics and finished garments, reducing environmental impact while enhancing the sensory well-being of the user.

Clothing that smells, cares, and evokes emotion

The collection combines natural plant-based dyes — such as lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, beetroot, or thyme — with microencapsulated essential oils that are released through friction. The result is a series of garments that awaken emotions: a linen jacket with a lavender scent, a two-piece suit dyed and scented with thyme, or a laser-printed tie infused with eucalyptus essence. A 3D-printed structure with an integrated diffuser was also created to re-scent the garments at home or at local care points.

Thanks to ECOFinish, these processes use minimal water and energy, unlike traditional natural dyeing, which requires large volumes and high temperatures. This enables more efficient, cleaner production that can be scaled industrially.

Deep research, local impact

One of the greatest achievements of this project was translating traditional knowledge — such as the ancestral use of aromatic plants — into contemporary and scalable textile processes. Tests were conducted with different mordants and fabrics (cotton, linen, wool) to achieve a harmonious and stable color palette. Each plant selected was analyzed for both its dyeing potential and aromatic profile, resulting in a multifunctional finish that goes beyond aesthetics.

The project also fostered dialogue between design, technology, and local agriculture, integrating crop waste (such as olive leaves or citrus peels) as a resource for sustainable fashion.

A new way of making: multisensory and circular

In Neo Botanical Tailoring, every stitch releases fragrance, transforming not only the experience of the wearer, but also that of the artisan who creates the garment. This emotional and experiential dimension proposes a new narrative for the fashion industry: one where sensory pleasure, personal care, and sustainability coexist.

Additionally, by incorporating natural repellent properties — such as lavender’s protection against moths — these garments not only enhance well-being but also extend their lifespan, offering a real solution to sustainability challenges in the textile sector.

This project opens the door to new business models based on well-being, localized personalization, and circularity.

At Care Applications, we continue to champion collaborations that merge technology, ethics, and emotion.

Photography by Geray Mena.