In the world of luxury fashion, Stella McCartney stands out. Since its founding in 2001, the brand has never used genuine leather, fur, or feathers. Ethics are not just part of the aesthetic - they are a core conviction.
The idea of creating a bag from mycelium in 2020 was a logical continuation of a long-standing commitment to innovation and cruelty-free practices. McCartney set out to prove that luxury fashion doesn’t have to come at the expense of animals or the planet.
A partnership with biotech startup Bolt Threads, which developed the material Mylo™, made this vision a reality. That’s how the Frayme Mylo™ bag came to life - not as a concept or prototype, but as a wearable product that made its journey from lab to runway.
What is mushroom leather?
Mylo™ is made from mycelium - the root-like structure of fungi that grows naturally in the environment. In lab settings, it’s cultivated on agricultural waste (such as sawdust and straw), then stabilized, dried, and processed into a soft, leather-like material.
Mylo™ takes just a few days to produce, requires almost no water, and contains no environmentally harmful substances. The result is a vegan, biodegradable, flexible, and durable material that visually resembles calfskin but without its ethical baggage.
Design and details of the Frayme Mylo™
The bag is based on the popular Frayme silhouette, a signature style of the brand, recognizable by its chunky chain detail, smooth contours, and bold geometry.
Key features of the model:
Dimensions: 18.5 × 14.5 × 6 cm
Strap length: adjustable from 54.5 to 57 cm
Handle height: 12 cm
Weight: approximately 750 g
Materials: Mylo™ mushroom leather, hardware made from recycled aluminum
Color: deep black
Edition: limited run of 100 numbered pieces
Price: $2,650 - Official site
This accessory is not only functional but visually compelling: the matte finish of Mylo™ adds softness to the look, while the aluminum chain balances classic elegance with a sense of strength and modernity.
Frayme Mylo™ is a symbol of the transformation already taking place in fashion. Its creation shows that luxury no longer demands sacrifice. It demonstrates how biotechnology and ethical principles can be united in one object - beautiful, functional, and deeply considered.
The mushroom leather bag is not a nod to trends or greenwashing - it is an argument for a responsible future, where fashion stops harming and starts inspiring.
Following the success of the mushroom leather Frayme Mylo™, a new model was introduced - Ryde in metallic silver, created using Hydefy technology. These two bags are different, but both clearly exemplify how technology can reshape the fashion industry.
Ryde Metallic Silver: Innovation through Hydefy
In addition to mushroom leather, Stella McCartney just embraced another revolutionary fashion technology - Hydefy, which allows the creation of materials using recycled components combined with innovative coatings. One result of this partnership was the Ryde bag in metallic silver, blending eco-consciousness with futuristic design.
What is Hydefy?
Hydefy is a new leather processing technology that uses recycled leather waste while enhancing the material’s strength and aesthetic appeal. The innovation creates a sleek, metallic finish, while the core remains environmentally friendly.
The Ryde bag features a clean, minimalist design, making it suitable for any occasion - from everyday wear to evening looks.
Key features of the model:
Dimensions: 28 × 18 × 10 cm
Strap length: adjustable from 50 to 55 cm
Handle height: 11 cm
Weight: approximately 650 g
Materials: recycled leather waste processed with Hydefy technology
Color: metallic silver
Edition: limited release (exact quantity not specified)
Price: $1,650 - Official site
Both the Frayme Mylo™ and Ryde Metallic Silver bags show that fashion can be not only beautiful but also sustainable. They are examples of how designers and brands can use innovative materials and technologies to create products that don’t harm the planet - without compromising on beauty or elegance.
They also prove that responsibility and style can coexist. For Stella McCartney, these two qualities are not just compatible - they are the foundation of her creative work, influencing the future of fashion and redefining the meaning of luxury.
