The Challenge
In collaboration with biotech company UNCAGED Innovations, MELINA BUCHER set out to launch a statement handbag that would debut a groundbreaking new material: ELEVATE® - a biobased alternative to leather made from grain proteins.
The design had to push both aesthetic and material boundaries, showcasing the futuristic potential of sustainable luxury without compromising on quality or performance. The challenge was to create a bag that felt radically new – in form, surface, and story – while being true to the slow production values of the MELINA BUCHER brand.
Our Solution
We designed and handcrafted the NUBIAN Bag, a sculptural, oval-shaped handbag inspired by aerospace design and futuristic architecture. Its curved silhouette shifts depending on the angle, creating a sense of movement and transformation. The bag was made entirely from ELEVATE® in a holographic version of the material developed exclusively for this collaboration. The reflective, holographic finish - in grey and black - amplifies the shape’s dimensionality and catches light in unexpected ways
The bag was produced in our German atelier in a limited edition small series, reflecting our studio’s commitment to mindful manufacturing. The NUBIAN Bag was officially launched on May 4, 2025, marking the worldwide debut of ELEVATE® in fashion accessories.
Materials
• ELEVATE® by UNCAGED (99 % biobased made with grain proteins)
• Custom-developed holographic finish
• Biobased reinforcements
Methods
• Concept and form exploration based on movement and light
• Material testing and surface behavior analysis
• Prototype development in close partnership with UNCAGED
• Handcrafted production in German atelier
Highlights
• First product worldwide made with ELEVATE®
• Sculptural silhouette with high visual impact
• Launched as limited edition on melinabucher.com
• Designed for the next generation of conscious luxury
