A few years ago, at an American Express Luxury Summit, Richard David Story, EIC of Departures Magazine, interviewed Richard Chavez, Hermes President and CEO of the Americas.
Mr. Story was known for asking direct questions, so he asked, “Why are Hermes’ handbags so expensive?” Mr. Chavez replied, “Because it takes time to find the perfect skin.”
Hermes, a family-owned company since 1837, known for its luxurious leather products, surprised many by announcing a collaboration with MycoWorks, a company that developed a new sustainable material called Reishi. Reishi is made from fine mycelium, neither animal nor vegetable.
Philip Ross, an artist with a background in biomaterials, spearheaded the creation of Reishi. The new material emulates the sensory aspects of genuine leather and has been tanned and finished in France by Hermes craftsmen to create products like the ‘Victoria’ bag.
Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermes artistic director, sees the collaboration as a reflection of shared values between MycoWorks and Hermes, emphasizing a focus on natural raw materials, transformation, and longevity of products.
This partnership combines Hermes’ expertise in leather craftsmanship with biotechnological innovation to create a more sustainable future for luxury goods. The use of Reishi material offers luxury brands a more sustainable option without compromising on quality, durability, and luxury.
The development of this innovative material aligns with Hermes’ commitment to innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a more perfect and sustainable future in the luxury fashion industry.
Image Source: Biotechnology @ Pixabay
