Stella McCartney created a pair of innovative garments made with Mylo mushroom leather, resulting in a leather-like bustier and pair of pants that are 100% plant-based. Made with biotechnology company Bolt Threads, the mushroom leather garments are said to look, feel and drape just like animal-based leather.
Bolt Threads newly announced that adidas, Kering, Lululemon and Stella McCartney, will have exclusive access to Mylo to push the development of sustainable new technology and boost the production of mushroom leather. Mylo can be grown on a sheet of sawdust in about two weeks and it boasts an exceptionally small carbon footprint. As McCartney sees it, "It’s just so much better for the planet — whether you’re doing it for ethical reasons or not, you can’t argue how this is better. This is the future of fashion."
Mushroom Leather Garments
Stella McCartney Created "Un-Leather" Pants and a Bustier
Trend Themes
1. Mushroom Leather - The development of mushroom leather as an alternative to animal-based leather presents immense opportunities for ethical and environmentally friendly fashion practices.
2. Biotechnology-based Fashion - The use of biotechnology to create sustainable, plant-based materials for fashion will revolutionize the fashion industry and its environmental impact.
3. Closed-loop Production - The creation of sustainable materials and circular production systems that minimize waste and environmental impact will become increasingly important in fashion industry innovations.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Companies operating in the fashion retail space can innovate with mushroom leather to satisfy customer demands for ethically produced, sustainable clothing.
2. Environmental Science - Environmental scientists and companies can support the development and application of biotechnology-based materials, like mushroom leather, to improve the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
3. Global Manufacturing - Manufacturers can explore the opportunities of material innovations, like mushroom leather, to create closed-loop production systems that reduce carbon footprint and water usage.