Unveiling plant-based Falabella and Frayme bags with a game-changing leather alternative
Stella McCartney, the British fashion powerhouse, has once again raised the bar for sustainable fashion by unveiling her accessory collection featuring Mirum, a groundbreaking vegan alternative to leather. For those unfamiliar, Mirum is not only devoid of animal products but also eschews plastic, defining a new benchmark in ethical material innovation.
Created by Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), Mirum boasts of an all-natural, plant-based composition, setting itself apart as the planet’s inaugural fully recyclable and circular material. Remarkably, once its lifespan concludes, it breaks down to nourish the Earth as benign nutrients.
McCartney’s unwavering stance on ethical fashion practices is no secret. Since 2001, her brand has consciously avoided the use of leather, fur, feathers, and skins. Now, with Mirum, she furthers this ethos, incorporating the material into her iconic Falabella and Frayme bag range. This signifies another stride in her pursuit of creating fashion that respects both animals and our planet.
As Fall 2023 approaches, the fashion industry is abuzz with anticipation for McCartney’s Winter 2023 collection, where the Falabella and Frayme bags, crafted from Mirum, will debut. McCartney confidently shares, “There is no compromise on desirability or durability; the future of fashion has arrived.”
Given the environmental toll of the leather industry, which consumed 1.4 billion animal hides in 2020 alone, alternatives like Mirum are not just welcome but crucial. Traditional leather production processes have long been criticized for their detrimental ecological impacts, including chemical pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Mirum’s manufacturing involves a rigorous three-step procedure, utilizing eco-neutral and certified bio-based ingredients like natural rubber and plant-based oils. Beyond being plastic-free, Mirum also stands out for its water conservation, sidestepping traditional tanning processes and other water-intensive steps. The material’s carbon footprint is impressively minuscule compared to both traditional leather and its synthetic counterparts.
In terms of quality, Mirum emerges as a luxurious contender, offering softness, durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. From its creation at NFW’s Illinois base to its transformation in Italy into Stella McCartney accessories, Mirum’s journey epitomizes craftsmanship. The Falabella bag, a standout piece, integrates various sustainable elements: recycled brass for its chain handle, an aluminium body chain, waste-free zamak medallions, and a recycled polyester lining derived from water bottles.
Indeed, the advent of Mirum in high fashion isn’t merely a trend—it’s a monumental move towards redefining the industry’s environmental and ethical standards.
