The Challenge

To drive awareness and education around next-generation biomaterials, we were invited to curate an exhibition for the International Leather Goods Fair (ILM) in Offenbach – one of the most influential platforms in the leather goods industry. The goal: showcase the most innovative, sustainable materials currently shaping the future of fashion and accessories, while creating a tactile, memorable experience for a traditionally cautious industry. The challenge was to design a space that was engaging, informative, and emotionally resonant, speaking to brands and retailers alike.

Our Solution

We developed and curated GROW – The Future of Leather Goods, a hands-on exhibition showcasing fungi-, fruit-, algae- and nanocellulose-based materials from the most forward-thinking innovators in the field. The concept focused on grown, not extracted — materials that are created through regenerative or low-impact processes, offering alternatives to animal leather without compromising performance or design.

We designed the exhibition space to be interactive and accessible, with tactile samples, educational storytelling, and embedded product examples. Visitors were encouraged to touch, ask, and explore – building a direct connection between raw innovation and real-world application. The exhibition positioned GROW as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and radical material progress, inviting brands to rethink how their products are made and what they’re made of.

Scope

• Curation & concept development
• Material selection and partnership coordination
• Exhibition design and storytelling
• On-site implementation & experience design
• Press relations and industry positioning

Highlights

• Exhibition featured at ILM Offenbach
• Curated showcase of fungi-, algae-, fruit- and cellulose-based materials
• Immersive visitor experience with tactile access to next-gen textiles
• Positioned as a hub for material innovation and ethical design thinking