The Challenge

To showcase the potential of Forager®, a mycelium-based leather alternative developed by Ecovative, we were asked to create a custom clutch that could be displayed at exhibitions and industry events. As Forager® is still in the early stages of commercial use, the goal was to design a product that would highlight its unique aesthetic and structural characteristics, while also optimizing for its current material strengths. The challenge was not only to create a beautiful, eye-catching object – but to let the material itself tell the story of how it is grown, not manufactured.

Our Solution

We designed a two-toned clutch with an architectural silhouette and a flowing, organic surface  –  inspired by the natural growing lines of mycelium. The contrast in tone and texture between material sections was used deliberately to showcase Forager®’s range: from smooth to fibrous, from dense to delicate. The construction was kept minimal and precise, to respect the material’s behavior and avoid unnecessary tension or structural stress.

Prototyped and handcrafted in our atelier, the clutch serves as a showpiece for exhibitions and education – inviting tactile engagement and illustrating what mycelium-based design can look and feel like at a luxury level.

Our Materials

• Forager® by Ecovative (mycelium leather alternative)
• Biobased reinforcements (for structural balance)

Our Methods

• Concept & surface design inspired by material growth
• Color and texture contrast to highlight material potential
• Material testing and tolerance exploration
• Prototyping and precision handcrafting in our German atelier

Highlights

• Designed to showcase the range of textures in Forager®
• Optimized for material-specific construction
• Currently exhibited at leading material and design showcases