“These rare, exclusive pieces embody our commitment to innovate a kinder fashion industry—one that sees the birth of beautiful, luxurious materials as opposed to the deaths of our fellow creatures and planet.”

Today, British designer Stella McCartney unveiled the world’s first-ever garments created from mushroom leather.

The luxury designer’s exclusive designs include a black bustier as well as balloon-leg trousers made using Mylo- the innovative material made from fast-growing mushroom root systems – developed by biotechnology company Bolt Threads.

Both the garments, which lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for fashion were created at McCartney’s atelier in London by handcrafting panels of the mycelium-based material with recycled scuba nylon.

The designer, who has always avoided leather, feathers, fur or skins in her 20-year-old business also created a prototype of her iconic Falabella bag using Mylo back in 2018. The bag was showcased as part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Fashioned from Nature exhibition that year.

While these garments are not available for purchase, McCartney promises to feature Mylo in future collections.

‘Innovate a kinder fashion industry’

“I believe the Stella community should never have to compromise luxury desirability for sustainability, and Mylo™️ allows us to make that a reality,” McCartney said in a statement.

“These rare, exclusive pieces embody our shared commitment with Bolt Threads to innovate a kinder fashion industry—one that sees the birth of beautiful, luxurious materials as opposed to the deaths of our fellow creatures and planet.”

Mylo- vegan leather

Mylo’s production is not only sustainable but also more eco and animal-friendly than traditional leather in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lowered water and land use.

The raw material is easily grown in a matter of days and is infinitely renewable. The mycelium-based leather is also not petroleum-based, like its synthetic counterparts. This allows more fossil fuels to be kept in the ground and less plastic to be dumped into landfills and oceans.

‘Massive opportunity for people and the planet’

Dan Widmaier is the CEO and founder of Bolt Threads. In an online statement, he said: “Creating new, high-quality biomaterials is a major technological challenge and a massive opportunity for people and the planet.

“I am incredibly grateful and humbled by Stella and her team for their long-term partnership and support in bringing Mylo to the world.

“The material used in these two garments not only represents a huge step forward in both aesthetics and performance of biomaterials but also marks the beginning of the rollout of product-ready Mylo.

“This is tangible progress toward large-scale production where Mylo can make a significant positive impact on our planet.”

• Read: Vegan cactus leather company wins popular award after teaming up with H&M

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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