The Challenge

When GOZEN introduced LUNAFORM, a premium material grown from bacterial nanocellulose, it opened up new possibilities for high-end accessories, but also raised important questions about performance and processing. As one of the first studios to work with the material, we were asked to explore how it behaves in real product applications. The goal was to test its balance between structure and drape, without starting from zero. The challenge was to bring LUNAFORM into a luxury context – with a design that would highlight its unique surface and movement, while keeping development time and cost efficient.

Our Solution

We began by conducting a series of material tests in our atelier to better understand LUNAFORM’s strength, flexibility, and edge stability. Based on these results, we chose to adapt our bestselling LOULOU design – a shape that naturally combines structural clarity with soft curves. Using an existing silhouette allowed us to focus entirely on the material’s performance while keeping the investment manageable.

The prototype was crafted in a custom LUNAFORM material and color combination, chosen to emphasize the natural sheen and layered texture of the grown surface. The final piece was handmade in our German atelier and exhibited at international fairs to demonstrate how new materials like LUNAFORM can be translated into refined, functional products.

Materials

• LUNAFORM™ (bacterial nanocellulose-based material)
• Biobased reinforcements and stitching components

Methods

• In-house material testing
• Product adaptation based on performance insights
• Prototyping using existing LOULOU silhouette
• Handcrafted production for exhibition use

Highlights

• First adaptation of LUNAFORM™ in a structured bag design
• Material and design tested together to evaluate form, drape, and usability
• Efficient use of an existing shape to reduce development time
• Presented at leading fairs as an example of next-gen material application