London-based fashion designer Patrick McDowell has expanded his commitment to sustainable fashion through a new collaboration with bio-based materials nonprofit Collective Fashion Justice. Together, they have created a trench coat using Shiringa bio-leather, an innovative plant-based material developed by Caxacori Studio.

Shiringa bio-leather is made by coating layers of Peruvian cotton with a natural latex derived from the sap of shiringa trees found in the Amazon rainforest. The sap is collected by Indigenous communities using methods that do not damage the trees, allowing them to continue growing while providing a sustainable source of raw material.

According to Caxacori Studio, the sap-based material offers greater flexibility and a more leather-like feel than natural rubber. It also provides durability, water resistance, and a soft texture, making it suitable for a wide range of fashion applications.

McDowell also said the waterproof properties of Shiringa bio-leather make it suitable for other products, including handbags and accessories. He added that working with the material was a refreshing experience because it combines structural strength with water resistance while offering bold, natural colours that are rarely found in alternative materials.