Veggie designer Stella McCartney has released its iconic Falabella and Frayme bags in vegan leather alternative Mirum for the first time.
The launch means they are the first luxury handbags to be made from the animal-free material, which is crafted from Natural Fiber Welding (NFW).
As well as being plastic-free, Mirum is 100 per cent recyclable and circular, made from plant-based and all-natural ingredients.
Describing the material, Stella says it is ‘able to be safely returned to Mother Earth as nutrients at the end of its life’.
According to Stella McCartney’s website, the Falabella handbag also features ‘an iconic recycled brass chain handle, recyclable aluminium body chain, two special re-edition medallions in zero-waste zamak, organic cotton lacing and a lining crafted from recycled polyester, sourced from water bottles’.
Debuting the material at her A/W 2003 earlier this year, the designer said its use means the ‘future of fashion has arrived’.
Mirum
Describing the development of Mirum on her wesbite, McCartney said: “We have always looked to the future of fashion, pioneering the ways we produce our collections to protect Mother Earth, as well as the animals and people we share her with.
“Since day one, we have never used leather, feathers, fur or skins in our products. We are continually searching, innovating and collaborating with partners like NFW to create the next generation of luxury vegan materials.”
According to the brand, Mirum is ‘the first scalable, 100 per cent plastic-free, fossil fuel- and water-free alternative to animal leather’. It is also described as being fully water resistant, as well as easy to clean, supple and durable.
In addition, Mirum has a carbon footprint that is notably lower than other leather alternatives, including PU and Bio-PU.
The material, which is made in California before being sent to Italy to be crafted into the handbags, features biobased fabric layered onto an organic cotton or regenerative cotton backing.
A new Falabella and Frayme
Speaking about the new iterations of her handbags when presenting them at her show earlier this year, McCartney described how she had long sought a credible alternative to leather.
She said: “My Winter 2023 show is both a celebration of the love between humans and animals, as well as a call-to-action to take a stand for our planet – the perfect setting to introduce my iconic Falabella and Frayme bags in Mirum.
“I have long dreamed of the day when we would see a plant-based alternative to leather that does not kill a single creature and can be easily given back to Mother Earth, without creating waste.
“There is no compromise on desirability or durability; the future of fashion has arrived.”
Are you looking to give your wardrobe an animal-friendly makeover? Check out our handy guide to help you solve your vegan fashion dilemmas
Featured photo © Stella McCartney
