Othermatter is an MFA thesis project developed by Hyunji Jun at the School of Visual Arts in New York. It is an online platform designed to help fashion designers discover and source innovative biomaterials—materials that reduce environmental harm while unlocking new creative possibilities.

The project originated from Jun’s experience as a former fashion designer, where sustainable options in fashion often felt disconnected from the design process, difficult to access, or visually uninspiring. Othermatter was conceived as a visually engaging, easy-to-navigate resource rooted in design thinking—a bridge between biomaterial innovation and the creative tools designers already use.

The brand identity takes inspiration from the form of living cells—modular, organic, and adaptable. These cell-like motifs form the foundation of a flexible visual system, paired with modular typography and vivid neon accents that capture the energy of the interdisciplinary world where fashion design meets biomaterial innovation.

Othermatter has been recognized internationally, receiving Gold and Silver at the International Design Awards (IDA) and a Creative Communication Award (C2A) in Branding. These accolades affirm the project’s belief that sustainability and compelling visual storytelling can go hand in hand.

Jun’s design process is concept-driven and iterative, beginning with identifying a project’s core values and exploring visual directions through sketches, mood boards, and material experiments. Inspiration often emerges from diverse sources such as conversations, observations, and unexpected moments of curiosity.

Ultimately, Othermatter demonstrates that sustainable design does not need to be restrained or minimal—it can be expressive, vibrant, and culturally relevant. It champions a mindset that values responsibility, experimentation, and the power of design to drive meaningful change.