Bottega Veneta has introduced a limited collection of small leather goods made with Ephea, a mycelium-based material developed by biotechnology company Sqim. The launch, featured in the brand’s Fall 2026 men’s collection, marks the first time Bottega Veneta has incorporated the material into its products.
The collection includes six styles offered in three colors and reflects Kering’s broader efforts to expand the use of alternative materials across its luxury brands. The material was developed through Kering’s Material Innovation Lab, which focuses on identifying and scaling sustainable alternatives for fashion production.
Bottega Veneta said it plans to develop its mycelium-based offerings further in future collections. The initiative highlights growing interest in lower-impact material solutions as luxury brands seek to balance craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability goals.
Why it matters for sustainable fashion: The adoption of mycelium-based materials by a major luxury brand signals growing confidence in alternative leather solutions. As fashion companies look to reduce environmental impacts associated with traditional materials, innovations such as mycelium could play an increasingly important role in the industry’s transition toward more sustainable production.
