Hydefy Introduces Fungi-Based Leather Alternative with Stella McCartney’s New Handbag

Hydefy has introduced a new fungi-based textile called Fy in collaboration with luxury designer Stella McCartney, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. Derived from fungi found in Yellowstone National Park and sugarcane waste, Fy is a versatile, vegan material designed to be environmentally responsible and highly durable. It is being marketed as suitable for use in fashion, automotive, and interior industries, with customization and rapid prototyping capabilities.

Stella McCartney, known for advocating animal-free and sustainable fashion, has partnered with Hydefy to launch the Stella Ryder handbag made from Fy during the Spring/Summer 2025 runway show. The luxury accessory is available for pre-order on McCartney’s website and is described as her most advanced vegan bag yet. The parent company of Hydefy, The Fynder Group, has successfully used Fy in the food industry with their brand Nature’s Fynd to create plant-based meat and dairy products, expanding the material’s applications beyond fashion. CEO Thomas Jonas believes Hydefy represents the future of high-performance textiles, meeting fashion standards without relying on resource-intensive or harmful materials.