Substanz for Grado Zero Lab — MuSkin® Accessories

Substanz has established an ongoing partnership with pioneering Italian material innovation company Grado Zero Lab S.r.l. to develop and produce an exclusive collection of accessories and bespoke bags made with its flagship material, MuSkin®.

MuSkin®

MuSkin® is a 100% natural, vegan material developed by Grado Zero Lab from the cap of a Phellinus ellipsoideus mushroom. It is a distinctive vegan leather alternative with a soft, suede-like appearance and tactile surface, making it particularly suited to fashion accessories and other applications traditionally associated with leather and suede.

Unlike conventional leather, MuSkin® is produced without animal hides or the tanning processes and toxic chemicals traditionally associated with leather production. The material is naturally resistant to bacterial growth, while retaining a warm, soft and distinctive tactile character.

Its natural surface gives each piece an individual character, making MuSkin® particularly interesting for products where material texture, touch and craftsmanship are central to the design.

The Collaboration

As part of the partnership, Substanz developed and prototyped a range of accessible, playful accessories, including keyrings, charms, bracelets and cardholders, designed to showcase the versatility of MuSkin® beyond conventional leather applications.

The collaboration also includes the production of the first batch of 45 accessory pieces, with future orders to be manufactured in the Substanz atelier in Germany.

Through prototyping, product development and small-scale manufacturing, the project explores how an innovative natural material can be translated into commercially relevant accessories while preserving its distinctive tactile and visual qualities.

Material Innovation

Grado Zero Lab is known for its pioneering approach to material research and development, with innovations spanning advanced textiles, protective materials and bio-based solutions. Its portfolio includes technologies such as Airogel, Space Skin, Spiderweb Fabric and Caprus Denim.

The ongoing collaboration brings together Grado Zero Lab’s expertise in material innovation with Substanz’s experience in material selection, product development, prototyping and manufacturing, creating a direct path from innovative material to finished fashion product.

The MuSkin® project demonstrates how biomaterials and sustainable materials can move from material R&D into accessible, commercially relevant fashion applications. By combining material sourcing, product development, prototyping and local manufacturing, Substanz works with material innovators to explore bio-based alternatives for bags and accessories and to support the wider adoption of circular economy solutions in fashion.

Various felt keychains in the shape of animals, baked goods, and floral designs on a white background.
Collection of brown accessories including wallets, keychains, bracelets, watches, and jewelry displayed on a white surface.
A brown handbag made of quilted patchwork suede with chain and clasp details, featuring a rounded handle, sitting against a white background.
Brown handbag with a handle and decorative circular embellishments, placed on a light-colored surface.
A couch with a hardwood section on top and a gray lower section, sitting against a white wall.
Close-up of a plush butterfly toy with a brown body, decorated with small clear beads, a gold-colored ring handle attached with a brown strap on a white textured fabric background.
Close-up of a tan leather star-shaped keychain with gold metal hardware on a white fabric surface.
Three brown suede heart-shaped keychains with gold clasps on a white textured surface.
Pair of beige earrings with gold clasp and crescent moon design on white textured background.
A small tan leather key case with gold hardware, including a key hook and snap closure, placed on a white textured background.
Two small brown leather wallets with gold snap closures on a white textured surface.
Close-up of a brown and gold bracelet with a wide band and e high shine.
A brown leather wallet with multiple card slots on a white surface.
Close-up of a brown leather wallet with multiple card slots on a light-colored fabric surface.
Close-up of three tan leather keychains with gold metallic T-shaped attachments, laid out on a white fabric background.
Brown suede handbag with a wooden pattern and gold hardware on a white background.
Brown suede or leather bag with a gold chain and clasp, close-up showing details of texture and hardware.
Brown handbag with gold zipper and hardware, decorated with circular embellishments, and a textured handle, placed on a white background.
Close-up of a textured, tan leather surface with decorative circular metal and stone accents sewn into it.
A tan handbag with gold studs and sequins, placed on a white surface.