Stella McCartney Launches Sustainable Mushroom Leather
Vegetarian fashion brand continues to elevate animal-free alternatives.
This year has been a time of reflecting about our impact on the planet, be it through fashion or unnecessary transportation. On waving goodbye to the Covid virus, we hope that sustainability has made its way to the top of priorities for the fashion industry- it currently stands as the second largest contributor to global warming.
Innovative designer Stella McCartney has always been at the forefront in the fight to a less cruel and more ethical planet. The most consistent reason for the lack of consumers buying into sustainability is because it’s not deemed fashionable, but McCartney proves that this doesn’t have to be a sacrifice.
Introducing the world’s first garments innovated from Mylo™️, a vegan mushroom leather created in partnership with @BoltThreads. Mylo™️ is a soft and sustainable, made from infinitely renewable mycelium.
— Stella McCartney (@StellaMcCartney) March 18, 2021
Discover #StellaxMylo: https://t.co/RV8vPfykoQ #StellaMcCartney pic.twitter.com/qZmkpFgpqn
Launching garments made from Mylo Mycelium, the entirely renewable material acts as a perfect alternative to animal leather, which has negative repercussions on the climate crisis.
Stella McCartney is the first in the world to create clothing from the material, although Adidas have created a trainer line in January. The fabric is formed by Bolt Threads in an underground root system of fungi which connects mushrooms.
Let’s talk about the garments themselves. A black corset style top is paired with utilitarian trousers, combining sustainability with the kind of sensual femininity McCartney pushes throughout her collections. The luxurious material represents a leap forward for sustainable fashion, showing that the textile industry doesn’t have to have such devastating issues on the planet.
Traditional leather is sourced from cattle, mainly in Brazil and South America where huge areas of land is cleared to farm them. Cattle ranching accounts for 80% of current deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Along with this, they contribute 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Starting to see why it’s a problem?
“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.”
McCartney has previously showcased collections made from other sustainable materials such as re-engineered cashmere and fur-free-fur. The luxury brand is committed to lessening their environmental impact, eliminating chemicals and being more energy efficient.
While the collection isn't available to buy as of yet, take a look at McCartney's other ethical garments here.
The success of these garments makes the concept of a more sustainable fashion industry more achievable than ever, and we hope other luxury brands follow in McCartney’s footsteps.
Next up, Fast Fashion: The Villain
Connect with Facebook