The model opted for a black leather Sonia Rykiel dress with a tiered fringe skirt ... an off-the-shoulder crystal-embellished Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, drop earrings and strappy sandals.

Once dried, the material becomes a rather pungent faux leather, which the California designer sews into haute couture dresses, jackets, skirts, and more. In Sicily, a start-up is working with ...