Celebrated British designer Patrick McDowell uses shiringa bio-leather
Collective Fashion Justice is pleased to share its new collaboration with celebrated British designer Patrick McDowell, who has created an exclusive A/W 2026 trench coat using shiringa bio-leather, debuting at the 2026 Future Fabrics Expo in Brussels.
Patrick McDowell is a London-based, independent and circular luxury brand, redefining the fashion industry through a visionary blend of creativity, innovation and design. Known for crafting limited-edition, made-to-order garments designed to last, the brand also offers redesign and repair services to promote longevity. Since its founding, Patrick McDowell has gained global recognition for pioneering sustainable practices and next-gen material innovation without compromising on quality or artistry, featured in Vogue, Forbes, WWD and The Guardian, and worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker and Keira Knightley.
Material innovation, in McDowell's words
On why he chose to design this piece in shiringa bio-leather, McDowell said: "I loved the idea of a bright trench coat in a new age fabric. Trench coats were first designed for a very practical purpose, with a material innovation at the time which allowed them to be water resistant. It seemed fitting to reimagine this classic shape with today's material innovation."
Asked what he liked most about the material, McDowell shared: "It's been wonderful to explore an alternative to leather that maintains a structural and waterproof quality. Qualities that make it perfect for outerwear and accessories." He also found shiringa surprisingly versatile: "Natural and colourful, a mix that doesn't always go hand in hand. A joy to explore as a designer."
His advice to designers used to working with conventional animal leathers: "Don't be afraid to see it as its own material and explore the unique properties it has." And he's already looking ahead to what's next: asked how else he might like to use shiringa bio-leather, his answer was simple — "Bags!"
Collective Fashion Justice at the Future Fabrics Expo
We are partnering with Veshin Factory at Future Fabrics Expo Brussels on 23rd to 24th June. Future Fabrics Expo (FFE) is the largest showcase dedicated exclusively to sourcing innovative, sustainably and responsibly-produced, best-practice and certified materials for fashion, footwear, home, interiors & lifestyle.
Together, our stall will explore a range of next-generation materials, including shiringa bio-leather and other innovative alternatives brought to life through thoughtfully crafted bags and accessories.
Learn more about shiringa bio-leather
This trench coat realises the possibilities explored in our documentary, SHIRINGA: Fashion Regenerating Amazonia to bring this little-known bio-material to the wider fashion industry, and to prove that protecting people, our fellow animals and the planet can go hand in hand with truly desirable design.