Vegan or plant-based leather, made from polyurethane, mycelium, pineapple leaves, apple peels, cork, fruit waste, recycled plastic and much more, is finding takers across the fashion supply chain. Companies like MycoWorks, Bolt Threads, Gordini, Frumat and more are reinventing the leather using these sustainable and plant-based means.

Hermes, a brand famous for its leather bags and accessories, has recently partnered with MycoWorks to use its mushroom-based textile Fine Mycellium to create a vegan alternative of its classic Victorian bag. Apparel company Lululemon has also joined hands with MycoWorks to introduce a sustainable range of bags and yoga mats.

German sportswear manufacturer Adidas is all set to give an environment-friendly makeover to its iconic Stan Smiths by remaking it using Mylo, Bolt Threads’ mycelium-based leather. The alternative leather manufacturer created a consortium last year which includes Stella McCartney, Lululemon, Adidas and Kering that owns brands like Balenciaga, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta, to boost the utilisation of leather substitute in their products.

American brand Tommy Hilfiger entered into a partnership with Frumat to use its Appleskin fabric made of apple waste for two styles of sneakers in its spring/summer 2020 collection. French fashion company Chloe also used the Frumat fabric to make pouches and mini bags in 2020.

Back in 2019, French couture house Chanel opted for leather alternative by Pinatex made of Pineapple leaves for its accessories. German luxury fashion house had also introduced casual sneakers made of Pinatex’s plant-based leather in the same year.

The ever-growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion and luxury fashion brands’ shift from conventional leather to its vegan, planet-friendly alternatives are likely to bring more material-focused changes in the future.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)