Stella McCartney is synonymous with style. The luxury label also knows sustainability, and the Stella McCartney x Veuve Clicquot luxury fashion range is proof. Delivering the need of the hour wrapped attractively in the arms of fashion is Veuve Clicquot by joining hands with fashion designer McCartney to recycle its grape and cork waste into vegan handbags and shoes. Under the LVMH umbrella, these two brands have dedicated their efforts to developing a leather alternative known as Vegea. This innovative material consists of 80% vegetal, renewable, and recycled components, resulting in a 40% reduction in global warming impact and a 50% decrease in water usage.
Stella McCartney unveiled six accessories made of Vegea that debuted at the spectacular Summer 2024 runway show during Paris Fashion Week. This stellar range includes three iconic Frayme bags, a bottle holder designed to accommodate Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, and two variations of the signature Elyse sandals. Notably, these shoes feature a platform wedge crafted from recycled cork sourced from Veuve Clicquot’s cellars in Reims, marrying fashion with sustainability.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the unique partnership between a fashion house and a champagne Maison, Stella McCartney said, “I am so thrilled to be part of this first-of-its-kind partnership between a fashion house and a champagne Maison – connected by our shared passions for sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation. This collaboration is the perfect blend of my cruelty-free vision with Veuve Clicquot’s incredible natural ingredients, using waste to create a luxurious alternative to animal leather that can be easily scaled and change the industry. You truly cannot tell the difference; this is a better way,” said Stella Mccartney.
She added, “I was told I would never have a successful luxury business if I didn’t use leather, but I think 20 years later, I have shown that you can have a healthy, global business without having to sacrifice style for sustainability.” In Stella McCartney’s expert opinion, the grape-based material is virtually indistinguishable from real leather in terms of appearance, texture, and durability. This prompts the question of why one should opt for leather, which carries a significant environmental impact and is responsible for an estimated 11-17% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with 65% of that stemming from cattle farming.
Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot, said it filled him with joy that “beyond crafting one of the best Champagnes, our grapes can now also contribute to drive a brighter future in fashion.” An eco-warrior for decades, Stella McCartney introduced the world to the first-ever mushroom leather bag last year.
