Fashion in the service of ecology? Sneakers like these have never been seen before

It's time for fully ecological fashion. The original Korvaa shoes are made with mycelium, bacterial nanocellulose and biodegradable plastics, and at the same time... they look spectacular.

Ecology and sustainable development are becoming increasingly important issues for those concerned about the fate of our planet . But what if you can take care of the climate and still maintain an original style? The Korvaa Consortium shows the direction in which many clothing brands may go in the near future.

The combined forces of Modern Synthesis , Ourobio and Ecovation have led to the creation of unique shoes made of mycelium , bacterial nanocellulose and biodegradable plastics .

A bit like in the Captain Planet fairy tale, each entity was tasked with providing a different element that made up the final product .

Materials used to make Korvaa Shoes / photo: Korvaa Consortium

The upper is the work of Modern Synthesis , who took bacterial nanocellulose and transformed it into a fabric shell.

The next element is the sole base , which was printed in 3D technology by Ourobio . Polyhydroxyalkanoates were used here, which are biodegradable plastics that are made from plants and bacteria. The last component is the shoe sole made from mycelium, which was grown in just 7 days by Ecovative .

The laces and lining are made of cotton and lyocell .

- By combining materials like nature – not by adding more, but by choosing smarter – we are creating radical design possibilities for the industry . This gives unprecedented creative freedom, enabling forms and functions that cannot be achieved with conventional methods. We have created an artifact that is a tangible blueprint for the future of manufacturing, says Jen Keane , CEO of Modern Synthesis .

Korvaa Shoes / photo: Korvaa Consortium

The prototype model was presented on June 24-25 during the Future Fabrics Expo in London . Interestingly, the process of creating this unique footwear was presented in a full-length documentary entitled "Planet of the Microbes" , which will officially premiere later this year.

Is this a new direction for eco-fashion ? We hope so!

- This shoe shows what is possible when three separate biological processes work together. Each material was selected for what it does best. Together, they prove that biology can create complex products that previously required dozens of synthetic ingredients. This collaboration is how we are building a materials system that supports the planet in harmony with humanity - writes Eben Bayer , CEO of Ecovative .

Would you wear shoes like Korvaa's ?