modern synthesis x GANNI bou bag unveils leather-alternative, bacteria textile at LDF 2023

introducing the modern synthesis x GANNI bou bag

Modern Synthesis, a biotechnology company founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, has partnered with Ganni to reimagine the latter’s staple Bou Bag in a new leather-alternative, lower-impact textile made by bacteria. The one-of-a-kind handbag, unveiled at the London Design Festival 2023, showcases the natural beauty and versatility of new innovative bacterial nanocellulose materials, brought to life in the Dutch fashion brand’s signature hexagonal silhouette. The companies are jointly working to make this bag commercially available by early 2025.

‘Working with bacteria has allowed us to tap into billions of years of evolutionary efficiency to push the boundaries of what natural materials are capable of. The fascinating array of high-performance materials microbes already produce in nature enables us to rethink the way we build the products we use every day. Equipped with this deeper understanding of biology, we can bring life to a new class of materials designed for purpose from the nanoscale up,’ Jen Keane shares with designboom. ‘We are excited to see the fashion industry now waking up to the commercial potential of lower-impact biotextiles as a compelling alternative to polluting animal and petroleum-based products.’

the new Bou Bag | images courtesy of Modern Synthesis and GANNI

Bacterial Nanocellulose Bag at London Design Festival

The Modern Synthesis (find more here) x GANNI (find more here) Bou Bag is made from bacterial nanocellulose, a particularly strong and fine form of cellulose derived from bacterial fermentation. The featured biotextile is naturally animal and plastic-free and offers a desirable alternative to virgin leathers and plastic-based synthetics. This new Bou Bag marks another critical step in GANNI’s quest to redefine responsible luxury by continuously championing innovation in materials. Working with Modern Synthesis to reimagine the Bou further underscores their commitment to phasing out virgin leather from GANNI products by 2023.

The unique handbag takes center stage at the Material Matters fair, showing from September 20-23 during the London Design Festival (find more here). By presenting this one-of-a-kind piece, both Modern Synthesis and GANNI hold a mirror up to the potential of design and provide a glimpse into the promising future of biomaterials within the commercial realm.

the handbag showcases the beauty and versatility of new innovative bacterial nanocellulose materials

‘GANNI is on track to phase out all virgin leather by the end of this year, which has been a radical goal for us. But the work doesn’t stop here. Working and trialing with partners like Modern Synthesis to develop more responsible and durable leather alternatives is crucial for us. Doing so enables us to create high-quality design products in lower-impact materials – changing the future of fabrics as we know them today. By partnering with Modern Synthesis to develop our iconic Bou Bag from bacteria, we get another step closer to our goal of having 10% of materials coming from our Fabrics of The Future by 2025 – and we can’t wait to see what else we can make with Modern Synthesis’ technology,’ states Lauren Bartley, Sustainability & CSR Director at GANNI.

‘Collaborating with GANNI on the Bou Bag has allowed us to showcase the viability of bacterial cellulose-based materials in real-world applications. These one-off showcase pieces are pivotal in evaluating a material’s workability and appeal to both designers and consumers – which paves the way for its eventual integration into everyday fashion. Our pilot is a testament to the potential of sustainable materials in transforming the fashion industry, and we’re excited to grow our partnership,’ adds Jen Keane, CEO of Modern Synthesis.

Bou Bag is made from bacterial nanocellulose, a particularly strong and fine form of cellulose derived from bacterial fermentation

the featured biotextile is naturally animal and plastic-free

these unique showcase pieces are pivotal in evaluating a material’s workability and appeal

‘working with bacteria has allowed us (…) to push the boundaries of what natural materials are capable of,’ shares Jen Keane

‘the fascinating array of high-performance materials microbes already produce in nature enables us to rethink the way we build the products we use every day,’ he adds