Photos from ©Adobe Images: Vegan leather and clothes from mushroom mycelium material
In recent years, the fashion industry has witnessed a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, is one such material that has taken the fashion world by storm. This vegan material is not only sustainable but also has a lower environmental impact than traditional materials like leather and synthetic fabrics.
Today's renowned designers are now incorporating mycelium into their collections, creating innovative and fashionable pieces that are making a bold statement. From handbags and shoes to clothing and accessories, mycelium is proving to be a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways.
One of the most significant advantages of using mycelium in fashion is its durability. It is a strong material that can withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for products that require long-term use. Additionally, mycelium is naturally water-resistant, which means it can be used to create weather-resistant products.
The retail growth statistics for mycelium-based products are also impressive. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global mycelium market size was valued at USD 110.2 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2021 to 2028. The report attributes this growth to the increasing demand for eco-friendly materials and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional materials.
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, it is not surprising that mycelium is becoming a popular choice in fashion. It is a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional materials that offers numerous benefits. With the growing demand for eco-friendly fashion, we can expect to see more designers embracing mycelium and other sustainable materials in their collections.
Here are 18 fashion brands who have used eco-friendly materials in their collections:
1. Gucci - In recent years, Gucci has made a commitment to sustainability and has been using more eco-friendly materials in their products. They have also used vegan leather in some of their designs.
2. Burberry - Burberry has been using sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester in their collections.
3. Alexander Wang - Alexander Wang has been incorporating eco-friendly materials such as recycled polyester and TENCEL into their collections.
4. Stella McCartney x Adidas - The collaboration between McCartney and Adidas has resulted in several vegan leather sneakers and accessories.
5. Versace - The Italian luxury brand has recently announced that they will no longer use animal fur in their collections, and have also used vegan leather in some of their products.
6. Louis Vuitton - While Louis Vuitton has not made any public statements about using vegan leather, they have committed to sustainability and have been incorporating more eco-friendly materials into their products.
7. Burberry - Burberry has committed to sustainability and has been using more eco-friendly materials in their products, but there is no information available about their use of vegan leather.
8. Vivienne Westwood - The British fashion icon has been a vocal advocate for sustainability and animal rights, and has used vegan leather in her collections.
9. John Bartlett - The American designer has been a pioneer in sustainable fashion, and has used vegan leather in his collections for over a decade.
10. Vaute Couture - A vegan fashion brand founded by Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Vaute Couture specializes in high-quality vegan leather products.
11. Matt & Nat - A Canadian accessories brand that specializes in vegan leather handbags and wallets.
12. Gunas - A New York-based vegan fashion brand that offers a range of vegan leather handbags and accessories.
13. Brave GentleMan - Founded by Joshua Katcher, Brave GentleMan is a New York-based brand that offers sustainable and ethical menswear made from vegan materials, including vegan leather.
14. Nanushka - A Budapest-based fashion brand that uses vegan leather in their collections.
15. Mara Hoffman - The American fashion designer is known for her use of sustainable and ethical materials in her collections, and has experimented with Mycelium in her products.
16. Christopher Raeburn - The British designer is renowned for his upcycling and sustainability efforts, and has experimented with Mycelium-based materials in his collections.
17. Amour Vert - The American brand, which specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, has partnered with Bolt Threads to create a Mycelium-based leather alternative for use in their products.
18. Gabriela Hearst - The Uruguayan-American designer is known for her sustainable and ethical approach to fashion, and has experimented with alternative materials such as Mycelium in her collections.