Most of us interact with silicone every day without thinking about it. In our kitchenware, our phone cases, our medical devices. But as Très Gelée has shown, silicone is also one of the most exciting materials in fashion right now. Here's a quick primer on the science behind the material.

What Is Silicone?

Silicone is a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Unlike plastic (which is made from fossil fuels), silicone is derived from silica (essentially sand) which is one of the most abundant materials on Earth. This gives it a fundamentally different chemical structure from most synthetic materials.

Why It's Perfect for Bags

Silicone's molecular structure gives it several extraordinary properties that make it ideal for handbag construction. It's inherently waterproof (WOO!). Water simply can't penetrate its molecular matrix. It's flexible and elastic, allowing it to hold shape without being rigid. It's UV-stable, so it won't fade or degrade in sunlight. And it's temperature-resistant, maintaining its properties in both heat and cold.

Food-Grade vs. Industrial Silicone

Not all silicone is equal. Très Gelée uses high-quality, food-grade silicone, which is the same classification used in baby products, medical devices, and cooking equipment. This grade of silicone is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe for extended contact with skin. It contains no harmful plasticizers or additives.

The Design Possibilities

One of silicone's most exciting properties for fashion purposes is its ability to hold intricate shapes and details with precision. The structured silhouettes of the Très Gelée collection — the clean geometric lines of the Le Cube, the refined curves of the Chérie — are possible precisely because of silicone's unique material properties.

Fashion's future is functional, beautiful, and scientifically smart. Shop Très Gelée at tresgelee.com.