Cate Blanchett, earlier this year, put on an unforgettable performance in the Sparks music video for “The Girl is Crying in Her Latte”, sporting a stunning canary-yellow Stella McCartney two-piece suit that she had previously worn at a press conference for Ocean’s 8 and at the Sparks tour in Glastonbury, UK. This fashion statement brought attention to the idea that sustainability is up to the discretion of the wearer.
When it comes to ready-to-wear fashion, fast fashion is the enemy and vegan leather has become a popular alternative. Brands like Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Nanushka, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, and Gucci are championing the use of vegan leather in luxury fashion. Recent developments in the material have led to eco-friendly options that rival the feel and durability of calfskin. However, the majority of alternative leathers are still composed of polyurethane-based bonding agents, which makes it questionable if they truly deserve the label of vegan leather.
While luxury brands have been experimenting with sustainable materials, the biggest challenge for the industry is customer perception. Despite the potential eco-friendly benefits, the current offerings of sustainable leathers have struggled to command luxury prices and justify their longevity. As a result, luxury fashion houses may be hesitant to fully embrace alternative leathers, fearing they may devalue their high-status perception.
It’s likely that more fashion houses will continue to experiment with sustainable materials, albeit at a slower pace. Each new development will likely continue to be divisive. Whether or not Reishi, or other alternatives, will be truly considered as vegan leather that commands luxury prices, only time will tell – but it will most certainly be expensive.
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