MYCEL PROJECT
The Mycelium-Woven Future: Mycel’s Innovative Approach to Sustainable Fashion
As fashion continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the principle of sustainability remains steadfast. In an era where environmental responsibility is no longer optional but imperative, select brands are leading the transformation of the industry through forward-thinking innovation. Among them is “Mycel”, a company redefining luxury with a vision both groundbreaking and elegantly simple: leather crafted from mycelium.
What began as a concept has now catalyzed a global movement in biomaterial innovation, demonstrating that the future of fashion extends beyond aesthetics to encompass the very methods of its creation. With its pioneering approach, Mycel is garnering international recognition, reshaping the industry one mycelium fiber at a time.
Mycel’s origins lie not in fashion, but in the automotive sector. Initially launched as an in-house venture at Hyundai Motor, the company became an independent entity in 2020 with investment support from Hyundai and Kia Motors. Its primary objective was to develop alternative leather solutions tailored to the mobility industry.
The solution emerged in the form of “mycelium”—a revolutionary biomaterial derived from mushroom root tissue, capable of producing biodegradable leather. However, Mycel’s innovation extends beyond merely serving as a substitute for traditional leather; it has established an entirely new standard in material sustainability, setting a precedent for the future of environmentally conscious design.
Mycel’s innovation goes beyond conventional eco-friendliness, offering a refined and sensorial experience that redefines sustainable materials. At the recent 2025 Première Vision (PV) Report in Paris, Mycel took center stage, unveiling its groundbreaking technology to a global audience.
During the event, Jung Ji-hyun, head of Mycel's group, emphasized the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of renewal and symbiosis beyond mere leather alternatives. He described the new material as the result of continuous efforts to expand the value of sustainability, now extending into fashion and lifestyle to shape a more responsible future. He further highlighted Mycel’s growing impact on the fashion industry, particularly through collaborations with global luxury brands, where its innovative materials are being transformed into high-end fashion pieces.
These statements are not just rhetoric—luxury brands worldwide are already recognizing the potential of Mycel’s mycelium-based materials and actively exploring partnerships to integrate them into their designs. What sets Mycel apart is its ability to deliver an experience that goes beyond sustainability. The brand’s materials boast a fine and pure surface finish that requires no additional processing, mirroring the rich texture and organic warmth of traditional leather. At PV Report, Mycel introduced “Celmure”, crafted from 100 percent mycelium, and “Celoore”, enhanced with biopolymers
to reinforce durability and performance, making it ideal for a broader range of applications. These materials are not just substitutes but innovations that propose a new standard of touch and experience.
Mycel’s impact extends beyond technological advancements, reshaping the future of lifestyle and design. The era of choosing between ethics and aesthetics, sustainability and desirability, is coming to an end. Today, instinctive and captivating choices can be made while prioritizing the environment. At the heart of this transformation stands Mycel.
