Melina Bucher, LOUÉ Studio, Kaila Katherine, Via Gallo, and Watch and Strap unveil their first luxury designs using UNCAGED’s plant-protein leather
New York, 15 January 2026 – UNCAGED Innovations, the world’s first biomaterial company to create leather from grains, today announced the first wave of luxury product launches made with its flagship plant-based material, ELEVATE.
The collections debut from five independent fashion brands within The Collective, a global initiative bringing together designers committed to sustainable innovation without compromising craftsmanship or aesthetics.
The first ELEVATE luxury collections include:
- Watch and Strap (UK): Introduction of ELEVATE watch straps, blending British elegance with modern versatility for both analogue and Apple watches.
- Kaila Katherine (USA): Launch of The Soho Wallet in Cherry, marking the New York designer’s continued rise among the new generation of sustainable luxury creators.
- Melina Bucher (Germany): Release of the ‘Tessa’ East-West handbag and ‘Nubian’ sculptural handbag, alongside updated styles including the ‘Bailey’, now incorporating ELEVATE components.
- Via Gallo (Canada): Debut of The Avellino Collection, featuring the ‘Andretta’ convertible clutch and ‘Bisaccia’ geometric shoulder bag.
- LOUÉ Studio (Spain): Launch of the ‘Mano Pochette’, handcrafted in a two-person atelier and embodying ethical artistry and plant-based luxury.
Redefining access to next-generation materials
The Collective was created to demonstrate that biomaterials can meet the highest standards of luxury design, durability, and performance. Over the past year, participating brands have tested and refined ELEVATE—many working with non-animal leather for the first time—proving that sustainability and sophistication can coexist.
By opening access to next-generation biomaterials for independent and boutique brands, The Collective breaks down barriers traditionally reserved for large fashion houses, enabling designers across handbags, jewellery, accessories, and small leather goods to innovate responsibly.
About ELEVATE
ELEVATE is the world’s first leather alternative made from grain byproducts, including soy, corn, and wheat. Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes, the material dramatically reduces environmental impact:
- 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- 89% less water use
- 71% less energy consumption
compared to conventional animal leather production.
Additional Collective members—including STOW, Marco Dal Maso, Ittara, and Humo—will unveil their ELEVATE-based designs in Spring 2026.
Leadership perspectives
Stephanie Downs, CEO of UNCAGED Innovations, said:
“Seeing these collections come to life is deeply meaningful for our team. It’s incredibly inspiring to see such exceptional brands choose to work with ELEVATE. Each piece represents a designer challenging convention and imagining a better future for luxury.
“These brands haven’t just adopted a new material; they’ve embraced a new way of thinking about responsibility in fashion. ELEVATE was created to make that possible, and we’re proud to stand alongside designers proving that luxury can evolve without losing its soul.”
Elena Lisman, Founder of LOUÉ Studio, added:
“When looking for a new material, we focus on more than sustainability claims—we want to understand how it’s made and how it performs. That’s what stood out about ELEVATE. UNCAGED’s innovation is both technically impressive and creatively exciting.
“ELEVATE proves we no longer need outdated materials to achieve high-end results. Our customers are actively seeking alternatives to both leather and synthetics, and that demand is only growing. Innovation like this allows us to move away from the cruelty and environmental cost of animal agriculture. It’s the kind of progress I want to be part of.”
