MycoWorks Expands Access to Fashion Forward Biomaterial with New Online Platform
–Katya Moorman
Nothing excites us more at No Kill Mag than the development of better materials. (Yes, we’re unapologetic material nerds!) One of the most fascinating areas of innovation right now is fungi—specifically mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms. Mycelium is nature’s ultimate recycler, breaking down organic material and transforming it into nutrients that support ecosystems.
The problem with a lot of so-called sustainable materials is that they’re often created in such limited quantities that it leaves us wondering—can they really make a difference? That’s why it’s pretty major that MycoWorks has launched an e-commerce platform. Designers and brands can now purchase Reishi, their high-performance mycelium-based biomaterial to use in their own projects.
Reishi is a biodegradable, durable material. Some have compared it to leather, but it’s better to think of it as a new material altogether. And superior to others because it doesn’t rely on plastic fillers or toxic tanning processes. In addition, unlike other plant-based alternatives like cactus, apple, grape, and mushroom leathers—which need to be mixed with plastic for durability—Reishi is made from pure mycelium. This gives it the strength, longevity, and water resistance needed for real-world use while still feeling soft and luxurious.
Designers Leading the Way with Reishi
The true test of any new material is whether designers can turn it into something extraordinary. And a growing number of innovative brands are proving that Reishi is more than a lab experiment—it’s a viable luxury material for high-end fashion.
Nick Fouquet
The LA-based French-American designer, known for his modern take on classic headwear, has crafted four Reishi hats that merge his signature style with the possibilities of next-gen biomaterials.
Deadwood Studios
The Stockholm-based brand, celebrated for its commitment to sustainable leather alternatives, has designed the Canoo Reishi Jacket and Xiva Reishi Coat. These originally debuted at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Deadwood has long been a pioneer in rethinking leather’s role in fashion. Their work with Reishi showcases just how seamlessly this material can be integrated into outerwear.
YUME YUME
Images above ©YUME YUME, courtesy MycoWorks
The Amsterdam-based design studio, inspired by Japanese aesthetics, delivered a showstopping full look made entirely from Reishi. The ensemble, including the Grown by Nature Trench with intricate ruching and pleating, their signature Fisherman Boots, and an oversized Mushroom Hat, highlights YUME YUME’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion. Co-founders Eva Korsten and Dave Hendriks view this collaboration with MycoWorks as a pivotal moment in their journey toward biofabrication and lower-impact design.
How is Reishi made sans plastic?
The process starts by growing mycelium into sheets, which are then harvested and finished in Spain—specifically in Igualada, a region known for its traditional leather tanning expertise. By blending biotechnology with artisan techniques, MycoWorks ensures that Reishi meets the highest standards of luxury craftsmanship while staying completely free from petroleum-based materials.
Why This Matters: The Impact on Fashion’s Future
Many biomaterials have struggled to break into high-end fashion because they just didn’t perform as well as leather or other traditional textiles. MycoWorks has tackled this head-on with its Rei-Tanning technology. A process refines the consistency of Reishi sheets, making them strong enough for intricate leatherwork techniques like stitch-and-turn and precise edge finishing. This means that Reishi isn’t just a promising new material—it’s actually usable at the highest levels of craftsmanship, from fashion accessories to furniture and beyond.
Hermès and Beyond: The Luxury Brands Embracing Reishi
One of Reishi’s biggest endorsements comes from Hermès, the gold standard of luxury craftsmanship. The legendary fashion house has been working with Fine Mycelium to create Sylvania, an exclusive leather alternative that redefines what bio-based luxury can look like.
Beyond Hermès, MycoWorks has partnered with Ligne Roset, the forward-thinking French furniture brand, and General Motors, which hints at some exciting possibilities for sustainable automotive interiors. These collaborations show that Reishi is setting a new standard that luxury brands are taking seriously.
Images from MycoWorks Reishi e-commerce site
The Democratization of Next-Gen Luxury
With Reishi now available for direct purchase, sustainable materials are moving from niche to mainstream. This shift makes cutting-edge biomaterials more accessible to independent designers and small brands, meaning that the future of fashion doesn’t just belong to the big luxury houses—it belongs to anyone who wants to create with better materials.
The Future of Fashion is Grown, Not Made
The launch of MycoWorks’ e-commerce platform is a major step in accessibility. As traditional leather production faces more scrutiny for its environmental impact, Reishi stands out as a viable, future-forward solution—one that’s grown rather than manufactured, blending the best of nature and innovation.
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