Sustainable fashion: Stella McCartney and Veuve Clicquot create leather from grapes

Stella McCartney, now recognized as one of the leading designers in the eco-chic universe, continues her ecological innovations to make fashion as environmentally friendly as possible. Her latest initiative, recently unveiled, is a collaboration with the champagne house Veuve Clicquot (part of LVMH Group) to develop a technology that can transform waste from wine production into vegan leather, cruelty-free. Thus, champagne grape harvesting becomes the raw material for the accessories in Stella McCartney's new collections.

As a sustainable development advisor to Bernard Arnault, the designer has already created several accessories made from 'grape leather' for the latest fall fashion shows, including three bags in the Frayme model range. These have been joined by sandals - the Elyse model - with the platform wedge made from recycled cork waste sourced from Veuve Clicquot's cellars in Reims. Stella McCartney has also designed an eco-leather bottle carrier intended for the champagne house's vintages.

The innovation is based on the use of grapevine stalks. In a press statement, the Stella McCartney house explains, "Our next-generation leather alternative, VEGEA, is made up of 80% renewable plant-based raw materials." The document also specifies that the production of vegan leather from viticulture does not involve the use of solvents, dangerous chemicals, or metals that could pose health problems.

A pioneer in eco-friendly fashion, Stella McCartney has long chosen to abstain from using animal leather and fur in her collections. She frequently emphasizes the impact of leather production on harmful emissions and the environment, as it is estimated that between 11% and 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from animal agriculture.

The French luxury giant LVMH and the British designer have been loyal partners since 2019. Bernard Arnault's group has strongly supported the green turn taken by the designer. As for Veuve Clicquot, the historic champagne brand is doing well and can consider fruitful partnerships. LVMH's Wines and Spirits division recorded a minor decrease (-3%) in the first half of 2023, but this result was due to the record sales increase in the same period in 2022.