For those following a vegan lifestyle, this generally extends further than food and drink. Looking for ethical, sustainable vegan fashion options? From high street heroes to high-end fashion houses, here are three brands and collaborators doing amazing things with plant-based leather.
Photo credit: Vegan Food & Living
Stella McCartney has created the world's first-ever high-end clothing line using vegan mushroom leather
According to the vegetarian-favourite fashion house, 'Inspired by V is for Vegan from our McCartney A to Z Manifesto and committed to never compromising on desirability or sustainability, our future has always laid in innovation. That vision and those values are perfectly embodied in our latest launch – the world’s first-ever garments made from vegan, lab-grown Mylo™️ mushroom leather.'
Photo credit: Paris Jackson for Stella McCartney
Innovated by long-time partners Bolt Threads, Mylo™️ is a soft, substantial, sustainable leather alternative made from mycelium, the infinitely renewable underground root system of mushrooms. Remarkably similar to animal products with fewer environmental impacts, it is also not petroleum-based unlike most current synthetic options – meaning more fossil fuels can be kept in the ground and less plastic is deposited into landfills and oceans. Stella McCartney used Mylo™️ to create two garments – a black bustier top and utilitarian trousers – that are currently not for sale, but do embody the potential of this next-generation material and pave the way for future commercial offerings.
Photo credit: H&M
H&M launching a new fashion collection using vegan-friendly cactus leather
By addressing the topic of fast fashion and cruel animal practices via a series of innovative launches, H&M continues to be an open book throughout its journey towards using 100% sustainable materials by 2021; a tactic that's often shied away from by brands on a similar trajectory in fear of being called out for their simultaneously less conscious lines.
The innovative debut collection is 'Science Story', which "pays tribute to the brilliant minds behindfabrications of the future" and will be available to shop online from March 18th.
"For this collection, we wanted to bring the customers closer to the brilliant sustainability-story behind each of these designs," explained Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M. "Every piece is crafted from awe-inspiring materials that scientists and innovators have spent years trialling. The Science Story collection celebrates the beauty of that journey."
Photo credit: Vegan Food & Living
Jason Momoa has teamed up with So iLL to release vegan sneakers made from algae
A very special collaboration was bornwhen So iLL teamed up with Jason Momoato createOn The Roam. This partnershipbetween Momoa and So iLL wassparked after finding out that their involvement in climbing started around the same point in time.
Momoa had been a long time fan of So iLL and a friendshipwith So iLL Founder, Daniel Chancellor, quicklydeveloped into collaboration on a signature line of outdoor products including lifestyle approach shoes, climbing shoes, waterproof outdoor bags, and chalk bags.
Announcing the collaboration on his Instagram page, Momoa wrote: “A new way to roam. We’re introducing two new limited edition models as part of the So iLL x On The Roam Collection, by Jason Momoa.
“The Unity Purple and Yaya Lavender Roamers feature an organic cotton upper,@bloomfoamalgae insoles with a top layer of cork, and biodegradable outsoles. We’re all in this together. Available for preorder now.”
