This study presents a method for producing self-pigmenting bacterial cellulose (BC) through genetic engineering of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus. By expressing tyrosinase, the bacteria can synthesize eumelanin, a stable black pigment, which imparts a dark color to BC. This approach eliminates the need for chemical dyeing, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional textile dyeing methods. The self-pigmenting BC can be scaled up for use in fashion products, and the study demonstrates the potential of combining genetic engineering with synthetic biology tools, such as optogenetics, to pattern gene expression in BC-producing bacteria. The resulting melanated BC is stable under various conditions, including sterilization, and retains its color over time. The study also shows that BC can be used to create prototype fashion items, such as wallets and shoes, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable textile material. The research highlights the importance of genetic engineering in developing sustainable biomaterials and the potential of engineered living materials (ELMs) in creating new textile applications. The study also addresses challenges in scaling up BC production and improving its properties for industrial use, such as water resistance and color fastness. Overall, the research demonstrates the feasibility of using genetically engineered bacteria to produce sustainable, self-pigmenting textiles.This study presents a method for producing self-pigmenting bacterial cellulose (BC) through genetic engineering of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus. By expressing tyrosinase, the bacteria can synthesize eumelanin, a stable black pigment, which imparts a dark color to BC. This approach eliminates the need for chemical dyeing, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional textile dyeing methods. The self-pigmenting BC can be scaled up for use in fashion products, and the study demonstrates the potential of combining genetic engineering with synthetic biology tools, such as optogenetics, to pattern gene expression in BC-producing bacteria. The resulting melanated BC is stable under various conditions, including sterilization, and retains its color over time. The study also shows that BC can be used to create prototype fashion items, such as wallets and shoes, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable textile material. The research highlights the importance of genetic engineering in developing sustainable biomaterials and the potential of engineered living materials (ELMs) in creating new textile applications. The study also addresses challenges in scaling up BC production and improving its properties for industrial use, such as water resistance and color fastness. Overall, the research demonstrates the feasibility of using genetically engineered bacteria to produce sustainable, self-pigmenting textiles.