A new fungi-based textile developed by Hydefy has been launched in the fashion industry through a debut collaboration with luxury designer Stella McCartney. The partnership brings to market a high-performance, sustainable alternative to traditional leather, offering a cruelty-free solution that combines durability and aesthetic appeal.
“Hydefy isn’t just another alternative—it’s the future of high-performance textiles”
Hydefy’s material, known as Fy™, is derived from fungi discovered during NASA-backed research in Yellowstone National Park. Through a proprietary fermentation process, Fy™ is created by combining the fungi with sugarcane waste. The result is a versatile, vegan material that is designed to be both environmentally responsible and highly durable. This textile is being marketed as a suitable alternative for use in fashion, automotive, and interior industries, with the capacity for customization and rapid prototyping.
Stella McCartney, a long-time advocate for animal-free and sustainable fashion, stated, “I am constantly exploring plant and fungi-based, regenerative alternatives that do not harm animals and heal Mother Earth. Harmonious to this philosophy, the innovators behind Hydefy are developing materials with fresh thinking and a focus on sustainability.”
The new material is being unveiled through the launch of the Stella Ryder handbag, unveiled during the Spring/Summer 2025 runway show. The luxury accessory, which is available for pre-order through McCartney’s website, is described as her most advanced vegan bag yet.
Expanding the use of Fy™
Hydefy’s material, Fy™, is now available for commercial use, offering industries an alternative to conventional textiles, including applications in the furniture and automotive industries. The company’s parent entity, The Fynder Group, has been using Fy™ in the food industry for several years with the brand Nature’s Fynd. Nature’s Fynd has successfully applied the same technology to create plant-based meat and dairy products, including meatless breakfast patties and alternative yogurts.
Thomas Jonas, co-founder and CEO of The Fynder Group, noted that the collaboration is an example of how innovation can meet the high standards of fashion without relying on resource-intensive or environmentally harmful materials. “Hydefy isn’t just another alternative—it’s the future of high-performance textiles. We’re proving that innovative materials can meet the highest standards of durability, quality, and aesthetics,” Jonas commented.
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