The Stella McCartney Winter 2023 runway show at Paris Fashion Week debuted new editions of its iconic Falabella and Frayme bags crafted from Mirium – marking the world’s first luxury handbags crafted from this categorically new vegan, plastic-free alternative to animal leather innovated by Natural Fiber Welding (NFW). Made from plant-based, all-natural ingredients, the material is the first of its kind to be both 100% recyclable and circular; able to be safely returned to Mother Earth as nutrients at the end of its life.
Stella McCartney has never used leather, feathers, fur or skins since the brand’s launch in 2001. Available in brandy and black, the iconic Falabella and Frayme bags in Mirium progress a pioneering legacy of championing animal-free, cruelty-free alternatives that are kinder to our fellow creatures, humans and the planet.
Stella McCartney: Celebration of the love
“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 Mirium. 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.” – Stella McCartney
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 1.4 billion animal hides and skins were used in global leather production in 2020 – with tanning processes using and producing toxic chemicals and gases, such as chromium IV. In addition to poisoning water systems and threatening the health of workers, the industry is harming the planet through land destruction. The farming of cattle for beef and leather products is responsible for 80% of the Amazon’s deforestation (WWF), removing vital carbon sinks and reducing biodiversity.
The Process of the Handbag!
Mitum is a customisable material crafted in a three-stage process using bioneutral, certified biobased ingredients such as natural rubber, natural fibres, plant-based oil and pigments like biochar and rust – containing no plastics and requiring no tanning or additional water inputs to avoid creating wastewater. It has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional animal and synthetic options; while petroleum-based leather alternatives produce 7-15.8 kg CO2e per square metre, Mirum only creates 0.8-2.1 CO2e (based on a Life Cycle Assessment study commissioned by NFW).
The Falabella Handbag
The result is a luxury-quality leather alternative that is both supple and durable, easily cleaned and fully water resistant. The Mirium used in the Falabella bag is made at NFW’s facility in Peoria, Illinois, before being sent to Italy to be handcrafted into Stella McCartney accessories. 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.
Stella McCartney and The Falabella Family
The Falabella family was launched in 2009 and is the original vegan It-Bag, with over 1 million sold globally. Having never used any animal products in the bag’s construction, it introduced the fashion industry to the limitless possibilities of cruelty-free luxury alternatives. By partnering with Natural Fiber Welding, Stella McCartney is once again paving the way for a future where all accessories are crafted from nature-positive materials.
100% Plastic-Free Materials
Natural Fiber Welding is supported by SOS Collab Fund, a $200-million fund investing in companies fuelling a more sustainable economy that counts Stella McCartney among its cofounders. Unlike other material innovators in the space, NFW offers 100% plastic-free materials at scale – designed to meet the needs of the global supply chain and create a fashion industry that gives back to the planet instead of just taking from it.
The Stella McCartney Winter 2023 runway collection will be available to shop in Stella McCartney boutiques and selected retailers worldwide in August 2023.
W23 Runway Show by Stella McCartney
