Stella McCartney Creates World’s First Clothing from Mushroom Mylo Leather

Stella McCartney has become the first fashion brand to create clothing made from lab-grown Mylo mushroom leather.

The sustainably produced and 100% vegan Mylo is made by California-based company Bolt Threads – a materials solutions manufacturer that focuses on sustainable high-performance fabrics.

Scientists at Bolt Threads realized they can mimic conditions of a forest floor to produce mycelium – an interlaced root structure that grows through the earth and naturally produces mushrooms. The harvested mycelium can then be processed and dyed until it mimics leather. Mylo can be handled and treated like any animal or synthetic leather; it can even be dyed, textured and embossed.

So, how is this process more eco-conscious than traditional leather? “The mycelium used to make Mylo is grown from mulch, air, and water in just a few short weeks, versus the years it takes to raise cattle,” explains Bolt Threads. “Mylo is certified bio-based, which means it’s made predominantly from renewable ingredients found in nature today.”

As an avid supporter of animal and environmental rights, Stella McCartney is always looking for innovative ways to reduce the impact of running a global fashion brand.

While the designer has never used animal skins in her products, it’s a known fact that the manufacturing of synthetic leather also has serious environmental implications by using plastic and releasing harmful petrochemicals during production.

The black bustier and utility trousers designed and made by Stella McCartney using Mylo are the first items of clothing ever to be produced using the new fabric. While the pieces are part of a showcase for her SS21 collection and not currently for sale, they demonstrate how the leather substitute can also be used for fashion garments, as well as bags and shoes.

This was not previously possible as Mylo could not be produced in the scale needed for clothing production. However, advances in the technology used now mean various sizes, weights and textures can be made.

“This is the future of fashion. If we can get this right, then we can really make a huge impact on the planet,” says McCartney.

All images in this article are courtesy of Stella McCartney.