Biomaterial company UNCAGED Innovations has announced that five global brands have launched products using its flagship material, ELEVATE.
ELEVATE is a leather alternative crafted from grain byproducts like corn, soy, and wheat. Unlike traditional leather, this material is designed to fit directly into existing manufacturing lines. According to the company, the process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 95% and uses significantly less water and energy than animal hide production.
The participating brands belong to “The Collective,” a group of independent designers testing how biomaterials perform in high-end fashion. The first wave of releases includes:
- Watch and Strap (UK): Versatile straps for analogue and Apple watches.
- Kaila Katherine (USA): The Soho wallet in a vibrant cherry hue.
- Melina Bucher (Germany): New handbag designs, including the sculptural “Nubian.”
- Via Gallo (Canada): The Avellino Collection, featuring convertible clutches.
- LOUÉ Studio (Spain): Handcrafted pochettes made in a small-scale atelier.
For many of these designers, this project marks their first time moving away from animal leather or traditional synthetics. The initiative aims to provide smaller, boutique labels with access to next-generation materials that are often reserved for major fashion houses.
Stephanie Downs, CEO of UNCAGED Innovations, noted that the collections represent a shift in how the industry views responsibility. Designers reported that the material meets the high standards required for luxury craftsmanship while satisfying growing consumer demand for ethical alternatives.
More brands, including STOW and Marco Dal Maso, are expected to debut their own grain-based creations in Spring 2026. This move signals a potential turning point for independent labels seeking to balance high-end aesthetics with environmental goals.
