Karachi, Pakistan: AGI Denim teams up with Ecovative, a pioneer in mycelium-based creations to introduce a new concept of combining mycelium leather with denim. This collaboration reimagines textile and fashion through the use of Forager™ Hides, which offer versatile options in texture, density, and finish. Titled "Mushroom Rodeo," this collection draws inspiration from the great American rodeo, capturing the spirit of cowboy culture. Engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the fashion industry, these hides provide a vegan alternative to conventional animal leather, addressing growing concerns around sustainability in material sourcing.
The Mushroom Rodeo collection by AGI Denim and Ecovative will debut in the Kingpins Show Amsterdam innovation exhibit area, known as The Boxes, October 23-24, 2024.
This collection features garments made with mycelium leather, developed using Ecovative’s technology, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cow leather. Unlike animal agriculture, which generates significant waste, consumes resources, and contributes to pollution, mycelium grows quickly, requires minimal energy, and produces mostly compostable waste.
At the heart of the collection is a jacket with mycelium leather fringes, blending traditional denim craftsmanship with eco-friendly innovation. The fringes, made from biodegradable mycelium leather, create a soft, textured contrast against the structured denim, adding tactile depth. Cowboy jeans in the collection incorporate mycelium leather accents to enhance the classic silhouette. The collection also includes rodeo chaps, combining mycelium leather panels with durable denim for a bold yet functional design.
Alongside the garments, an installation titled “PeacePelt” will be showcased. The large hide—designed to embody the gentleness of mycelium leather—demonstrates the adaptability of mycelium-based leather in fashion. The hide features a combination of organic tones and patches of deep indigo, blending raw textures of mycelium leather with familiar denim fabric. This visual contrast between cowhide patterns and smooth denim invites viewers to rethink guilt-free alternatives to animal products toward a future where fashion and compassion coexist. Earlier in July 2024, at Kingpins New York, AGI Denim presented Recycled Denim to Mycelium Constructs, a collaboration with Ecovative that transformed post-consumer denim waste into mycelium bricks.
“Denim and leather are a perfect match—both materials evolve with time, telling the unique story of whoever wears them. Personally, working with leather has always felt very heavy in many ways to me. With Ecovative’s mycelium, we now have a lighter, freer leather that aligns with our values,” says Henry Wong, AGI Denim’s VP of Product Development & Marketing. “Collaborating with their team has been incredible—they welcomed us into their labs, shared their cutting-edge technology, and made the entire process feel like creative play.”
In addition to the innovative products and installation, AGI Denim remains committed to responsible manufacturing practices. All collections prioritize the use of recycled water, recycled materials, and low-impact indigo dyes. This commitment extends to recycling 65% of daily water consumption and reducing waste through a Caustic Recovery Unit. As Pakistan’s only B Corp certified denim manufacturer, AGI Denim integrates sustainability at every stage, ensuring its practices align with the broader goals of reducing pollution and conserving resources.
This collaboration represents a step forward in sustainable material development for the denim industry. By incorporating mycelium leather, AGI Denim and Ecovative offer a biodegradable alternative that aligns with growing environmental concerns in the fashion world. Be sure to visit the AGI Denim booth and experience the installation at The Boxes at Kingpins Show Amsterdam.
About AGI Denim: AGI Denim (Artistic Garment Industries) is a leading vertical premium denim manufacturer in Pakistan with a long-standing history dating back to 1993. The company is at the forefront of the industry, committed to minimizing its environmental impact while maximizing social and economic benefits. AGI Denim's innovative culture and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility are reflected in its best-in-class infrastructure, end-to-end LEED Gold certification, and B Corp certification.
