Luxury labels Melina Bucher and Lotta Ludwigson launch Mirum capsule collection
What happens when a slow fashion luxury brand for women meets a vegan bag manufacturer? The two combine their strengths and values to create a product that exhibits all these characteristics: conscious luxury_ no compromises when it comes to quality and avoiding waste_ all for a more sustainable fashion industry.
The result is a collection named Runa. It uses next-gen material Mirum_ a 100 percent bio-based_ plastic-free and biodegradable leather alternative. The two German labels are Berlin-based slow fashion brand Lotta Ludwigson_ known for its sophisticated bio-circular womenswear suits_ and Melina Bucher_ which opened its own master bag manufacturing facility two years ago.
FashionUnited previously spoke with Lotta Ludwigson co-founder Charlotte Piller and founder Melina Bucher who met three years ago at Neonyt.
“I was blown away by her circular_ ethical_ and sustainable approach to bags – using some of the most innovative materials ever. She later told me she felt the same about Lotta Ludwigson: designing clothes that never become textile waste_ fully recyclable_ biodegradable_ and timelessly aesthetic_” recalls Piller.
The two entrepreneurs realised they shared the same values and stayed in touch. “After nerdy material chats_ advice swap and years of exchanging ideas of a better fashion industry_ Melina messaged me in the beginning of the year: _Hey Charlotte_ let_s create something together__” recounts Piller.
After numerous brainstorming sessions_ calls_ messages_ sampling rounds_ photoshoots and meetings at the bag manufactory_ the limited-edition Runa capsule collection was created. It is now available for pre-order.
“With Mirum_ we are bringing real vegan luxury leather to the fashion world_ entirely without plastic. In combination with Lotta Ludwigson_s slow fashion approach_ conscious fashion is created that sets new standards_” comments Bucher in a statement.
What makes the collection so special?
It is fashioned from Mirum_ a material made from natural rubber_ plant oils and waxes_ natural pigments and minerals. It requires no plastics_ PU or PVC. It became known partly through its use by designer Stella McCartney.
Mirum is manufactured by US company Natural Fiber Welding and is fully bio-based and biodegradable. The material is dyed with plant and mineral pigments. It is individually customisable with natural fillers. This allows for countless possibilities in terms of shades_ sheens and textures.
A particularly sustainable aspect is that every garment is made-to-order. It is manufactured with the greatest care and artisanal precision in Melina Bucher_s atelier in Mannheim_ Germany. This means it is only sewn when ordered to avoid overproduction.
“Our shared vision was to create a collection that unites modern femininity_ sustainability and courage_ for women who show attitude and know what they want_” explains Piller.
The three-piece capsule collection in black consists of an A-line dress_ a pencil skirt and a vest. Prices range from 497 euros for the vest and 729 euros for the skirt to 898 euros for the dress. Sizes range from XS to XL.
All items can be ordered either via the Lotta Ludwigson website (within the EU and Switzerland) or via the Melina Bucher website. The latter also delivers to the UK and the US.