Is fungi the future of fashion? Yes, and no.
The once wide range of materials for fashion to exploit is dwindling. We now understand the impact that many of these options have on the environment. In light of this, the fashion industry is being forced to get creative, which is never a bad thing in our eyes. Maybe the answer is in mushrooms. And specifically speaking, the root system of mushrooms known as mycelium.
Sustainable fashion pioneer Stella McCartney has never been one to shy away from weird and wacky concepts. And for that she is admirable. Her label has been a long-time collaborator with materials solution company Bolt Threads. Inspired by nature, the organisation uses biotechnological innovation to develop sustainable materials for a better world.
Mylo is Bolt Threads latest invention. It’s a development engineered by mycelium to form a sustainable alternative to leather. Stella McCartney was the first fashion house to use Mylo to make garments. These garments are currently not for sale, rather displaying what is to come in the future of fashion. You can view the collection in their recent Summer 2022 Show.
McCartney said,
“These rare, exclusive Mylo™️ pieces embody our shared commitment with Bolt Threads to innovate a kinder fashion industry – one that sees the birth of beautiful, luxurious materials as opposed to the deaths of our fellow creatures and planet.”
Can Myco go beyond a creative concept?
It is not yet understood whether Myco can be a long-term sustainable solution. We don’t know if it is capable of reaching a mass market or if it can be sold at a low cost. In discussing the longevity potential of Myco, CEO ofMycoWorks Dr Matt Scullin made a statement. “We are working with luxury fashion first because they are ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability.” “These brands are in a position to think big and long term,” he adds.
The verdict is that no, we do not yet understand the potential of Mylo as a sustainable solution for the future. But what we do know as that Mylo is an incredible innovation that provides an avenue for further exploration and creative thinking.
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