Melina Bucher, the visionary behind the German luxury bag label bearing her name, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to redefine the norms of fashion craftsmanship. In an exclusive interview with FashionUnited, Bucher sheds light on her brand’s distinctive focus on vegan and bio-based materials, marking a paradigm shift in the industry.
The inception of Melina Bucher’s eponymous label stems from a deeply rooted commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. After immersing herself in the realm of fashion management and sustainable innovation at the University of Mannheim, Bucher recognized the imperative need for change. “I wanted to create a vegan handbag, having been vegan for years,” she articulates, underscoring the incongruity of using animal-derived materials in fashion.
Despite initial challenges and lukewarm responses from established luxury labels, Bucher remained resolute in her pursuit. She embarked on a quest to develop her debut designs at the Mannheim Startup Centre in 2019, setting the stage for a transformative journey ahead.
A pivotal aspect of Bucher’s ethos lies in her unwavering commitment to plastic-free production. Driven by her research on the perils of plastic pollution, she swiftly transitioned towards bio-based alternatives. “The research results are also becoming increasingly clear; plastic is simply very harmful to health,” she asserts, emphasizing the urgency to adopt sustainable practices.
Bucher’s relentless pursuit of a 100 percent bio-based product epitomizes her unwavering dedication to innovation. Collaborative endeavors with like-minded partners underscore her quest for sustainable solutions, notwithstanding the financial hurdles encountered along the way.
The evolution of Melina Bucher’s manufacturing process reflects a strategic shift towards in-house production. While initially collaborating with a renowned manufacturer in Spain, Bucher’s quest for autonomy and deeper material understanding led to the establishment of an in-house workshop. This transition not only facilitated experimentation with novel materials but also heralded a new chapter in the brand’s journey towards sustainability.
The pioneering use of Mirum, a plastic-free material developed by Natural Fibre Welding, stands as a testament to Bucher’s innovative spirit. Through relentless testing and refinement, Bucher succeeded in introducing the world’s first bag made from Mirum in 2022, showcasing the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
Looking ahead, Melina Bucher’s relentless pursuit of sustainability continues unabated. With ongoing experimentation on diverse exterior materials, the brand remains at the forefront of sustainable luxury, poised to redefine the landscape of the fashion industry. As Bucher aptly concludes, “We are currently experimenting with seven or eight exterior materials from different innovators to see if we can find the most sustainable materials that are also visually and design-wise appealing.”
