Introducing Our Plant-Based Leather Alternative Collection: Sustainable Accessories Handmade in England"
This is the story of how we continue to grow, learn, and innovate in ways that are kinder to the planet, people, and animals.
Our next capsule accessories collection began its journey three years ago when I met Sam Mureau, the founder of Planet of the Grapes, through Fashion Revolution. We instantly connected and decided to collaborate on a project aimed at creating an innovative, alternative to leather, for womenswear accessories. After countless years and months of materials research and development, sampling, and testing, we finally crafted our first prototype: the mini Odette.
Fast forward three years, and with a little financial support from our friends at the European Commission, we are thrilled to unveil what we’ve accomplished. We are presenting to you, to enjoy, our very first, tailor made plant-based leather alternative capsule collection, which has been hand-cut, stitched, and finished in England by the talented Zena in Leicestershire.
Here’s how our new range came to life:
STEP 1
Sam is hands-on with the process, often harvesting or collecting grape marc directly from her local organic and biodynamic vineyards, which surround her home in the beautiful South of France, Provence. It’s an area known for its stunning landscapes and rich winemaking traditions, and Sam is lucky enough to live right in the heart of it all.
STEP 2
The grape marc, which is the byproduct of winemaking, is made up of the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stalks after the grapes have been pressed for juice. Instead of letting this valuable material go to waste, Sam uses it to create something incredible. She prepares the grape marc by drying it out under the hot Provençal sun, which naturally helps to preserve and transform it. Once it’s fully dried, she grinds the marc into a fine powder, which is the starting point for creating the plant-based leather.
STEP 3
Next, the powder is blended with non-toxic, animal-free ingredients and color pigments to craft the plant-based leather alternatives. This part of the process happens in Italy, where skilled artisans combine innovation and tradition to produce a high-quality, sustainable material. The result is a beautifully textured, eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather that’s both durable and kind to the planet.
STEP 4
Once the leather alternatives are ready in three distinct colorways, they make their way to Leicestershire in the UK. There, the leather is carefully crafted into our new collection of handbags and belts, each piece made with attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The end result is a stunning range that’s not only stylish but also environmentally responsible, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and innovation in fashion.
Our new capsule collection is just the beginning. The Planet of the Grapes material represents the pinnacle of innovation—beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. This remarkable plant-based material isn’t just a fleeting addition; it’s destined to become a core part of our brand identity, seamlessly integrated into all our product categories alongside our signature designs.
REUSE
Transforming grape marc, a byproduct of the wine industry, into a valuable unique material.
REDUCE
Lowering CO2 emissions and water usage thus reducing the environmental impact of material manufacturing.
RECYCLE
Through rentals, you can rock your favourite accessories for special occasions and, instead of letting them gather dust in the back of your wardrobe, pass them on for someone else to enjoy the magic! Watch this space for more updates on rentals.
We are proud to share our journey and the thoughtful innovation behind this collection with you! Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about our big VEGAN launch!