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Fashion

Craft Code: Stella McCartney’s Vegan Icon of the Future

Photo courtesy of Stella McCartney

A future-facing bag: sculpted in Italy, shaped by ethics, and inspired by nature.

The curve of a horse’s back, the sway of movement, the soft resistance of sculpted form. The Ryder bag by Stella McCartney captures all three.

Crafted in the Italian countryside by artisans who work entirely without leather, the Ryder is shaped using wooden moulds and assembled by hand. Its construction uses no animal-derived materials, not even in the glue. The curved body is formed from a vegan leather alternative that incorporates recycled components. Trim and handles are made from Vegea, a pioneering material created from grape skin. The inside is lined with organic hemp, and the hardware is finished in polished brass.

Photo courtesy of Stella McCartney

The silhouette pays tribute to McCartney’s lifelong connection to horses, merging personal memory with cutting-edge design. Debuting at the Summer 2025 show in Paris, the Ryder appeared alongside pieces made from Hydefy, a material derived from fermented fungi. This innovation marks an ongoing effort toward regenerative and planet-positive materials.

Photo courtesy of Stella McCartney

Since launching her namesake label in 2001, McCartney has never used leather, fur, feathers, or skins. The Ryder bag continues that legacy while elevating it in form and intent.

This is not just another luxury bag. It is a statement of values, a sculpted reminder that fashion can move forward with grace, conviction, and care.

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