SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE EYES OF FASHION AND FANTASY

As a consequence of accelerated climate change, we have been forced to create new forms of survival to adapt to extreme habitats. Alliances with other species have emerged, new interspecific relationships are appearing such as those of Leafy Seadragon.

We introduce you to Leafy Seadragon. Leafy is a unique interspecies, found at the intersebtion of a fish, a plant and human. They move slowly, subtly, floating like a seaweed in the middle of an urban forest, like the one in the Casa de Campo. They propel themselves thanks to an almost invisible fin at the edges of their neck and tail end. They are mysterious and solitary beings but sometimes they can be seen accompanied by other close and friendly species such as the Seahorse.

Despite their name, they do not spit fire like other dragons, nor do they have wings, although they can fly thanks to magic. They worry about the current climate crisis. They watch over the skies, bring rain and observe the state of the rivers and streams, as water spirits do. They are wise, kind beings, willing to take care for the forests, seas and cities.

They are natural caretaker interespecies. In turn, they give shelter to about 120 eggs deposited in their abdominal belt by other found species. After a few weeks, the eggs hatch, they turn orange and pinkish and a thin and shiny outer structure protects them. The egg-jewel rises towards trees, algae and rocks. Once there they transform; they are now free to inhabit rocky sites, sea grasses and urban forests.

Sometimes this freedom is dramatically cut short. Leafy Seadragons are exposed to very stressful situations as they feel their habitat is constantly threatened by what they call environmental predators. Certain destructive human behaviors such as pollution and industrial waste are behind some fires and severe droughts and floods stalk this one-of-a-kind interspecies. The last extreme heat wave was about to carry away Leafy seadragon forever.

After last July´s heat wave, Leafy remains as if immobile. Lacking water and nutrients, their skin turns whitish. Exhausted on a burned tree, they reserve their strength until they can float again over the urban forest.

After the first breath, their internal survival mechanisms are activated. They begin to build their own nest, a kind of tailor-made suit that protect them from predators. They recollect materials from the site that, meticulously, join together with their own saliva: algae extracts, mineral powders, dried fruits, natural latex and some burnt electrical wires and textiles. They cover themselves with their new biofabricated environment. The boundaries between their body and the outside melt away, everything is watered by this new habitat.

New interspecies begin to sprout subtly in this envelope. Leafy can subtly modify its skin color to get closer and empathize with the new inhabitants. New symbiotic relationships emerge from these encounters. More sensitive and careful relationships with the environment and with others.

CREDITS :

Garment, accesories and scenography: Buj Studio (@bujstudio).

Concept and Storytelling: Buj Studio.

Performer, musician, singer, artist: Chenta Tsai (@putochinomaricon).

Photographer astist: Juan Borgognoni (Borgo Studio @Juan Borgognoni). Some images intervened by AI.

MUA : Amine Haddif (@makeupbyamin3).

A TALE THROUGH FASHION