Stella McCartney and Veuve Clicquot Innovate with “Grape Leather”
Paris, 25 November 2023
In a revolutionary step for the sustainable fashion industry, renowned designer Stella McCartney has partnered with the prestigious Champagne house Veuve Clicquot to create an alternative to traditional leather made from grape waste generated in the production of champagne.
The new material, which remarkably mimics the appearance, texture, and durability of animal leather, is derived from an innovative technique of recycling grape stems.
These residues, once considered waste, are now transformed into luxury accessories such as bags and platform shoes.
This initiative is part of a partnership with LVMH, the luxury giant, which also includes other brands such as Moët Hennessy and Louis Vuitton.
The collection was quietly unveiled during Stella McCartney’s Spring 2024 runway show at Paris Fashion Week, held outdoors, evoking a chic street market atmosphere.
Among the standout pieces were three Frayme bag models and a special bottle holder featuring Veuve Clicquot’s iconic yellow label.
Stella McCartney, sustainability advisor at LVMH, has long been at the forefront of sustainable fashion, integrating various organic materials such as mushrooms, bananas, seaweed, and now grape and cork waste. The latter comes from the cellars of Veuve Clicquot in Reims, where they are recycled to create platform soles for the new Elyse sandals.
The project not only underscores McCartney’s commitment to sustainability but also LVMH’s willingness to adopt regenerative agricultural practices.
Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot, expressed enthusiasm for this advancement, highlighting the brand’s expertise in regenerative agriculture and their contribution to a greener future in fashion.
The initiative also marks a turning point for the wine industry, offering a new life to production waste and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with winemaking and leather production.
The grape stems used are fully traceable, sourced from the Grand Cru vineyard of Bouzy, a historic property of Madame Clicquot.
The collaboration arose from a challenge posed by McCartney to Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, to explore cross-sector collaborations within the group.
The innovative approach and synergy of values between the Stella McCartney brand and Veuve Clicquot were key factors in this successful union.
In addition to this material innovation, McCartney is also contributing to regenerative agriculture in the fashion sector, supporting a regenerative cotton project in Turkey.
This approach is part of a broader trend of seeking next-generation materials that are not only bio-sourced but also capable of positively contributing to the environment by promoting biodiversity and soil health.
With this breakthrough, McCartney and Veuve Clicquot are setting a new standard for conscious luxury, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
Photo credits: Stella McCartney x Veuve Clicquot
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