German luxury brand Melina Bucher has teamed up with US bio-design company Modern Meadow to create the first ever handbags made from the animal-free INNOVERA Suede. Three handbags will be available in deep chocolate tones, each with their own unique design – LOULOU, BAILEY, and TESSA.

INNOVERA Suede is made from patented plant proteins, advanced biopolymers, and recycled tire rubber, offering the same feel as suede but with improved technical performance. The material is lighter, more durable, resistant to abrasion and water, and has a mainly biobased composition, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic microfibers. The collection launches on November 9, 2025, and will be available for pre-order exclusively via Melina Bucher’s website, with each bag handcrafted in the brand’s German atelier.

Overall, the collaboration between Melina Bucher and Modern Meadow aims to showcase that luxury, sustainability, and performance can go hand in hand, providing consumers with a versatile and forward-facing material that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.