Fashion
Jul 21, 2022
by Mariana Martínez Barba
Headwear From Beneath the Soil: MycoWorks and Nick Fouquet Create Hats From Mycelium
by Mariana Martínez Barba
Jul 21, 2022

It seems mycelium leather has propelled itself at the forefront of luxury style. The plant-based alternative, sourced from the roots of fungi, has made waves in the fashion industry as a low impact option with its biodegradable properties. Following a successful fundraiser on behalf of MycoWorks earlier this year, the company has managed to get a huge financial backing to build the Fine Mycelium™ production plant to craft its flagship material Reishi™. As part of this exciting new endeavor, acclaimed hatmaker Nick Fouqet introduces the Reishi™ Collection. The capsule includes a limited run of three new hat styles–the Boletus, Coprinus and Morcella–to celebrate the versatility of the material.

Nick Fouquet is a pioneering French American designer in the menswear space known for his exemplar hat styles. His aesthetic takes from the archives of heritage European looks, and combines with the effortless style of California ease. Expanding an assortment of ready-to-wear pieces and accessories, Fouqet’s partnership with Mycelium™ is a progressive step for the brand.

“Our clients want luxury made from materials that feel good and that they feel good about,” said Nick Fouquet in a press statement, “MycoWorksReishi™ is the only leather alternative we’ve seen that matches the beauty, quality, and functionality of traditional leather. Reishi™ feels organic and rich, and has a beautiful, worn patina that we showcase through the distinct styles of our Reishi™ Collection.”

The Reishi™ Boletus is crafted in a modern bucket hat silhouette in a muted brown. Both the Coprinus and Morchella come in wide brim cuts, opting for neutral tones of peach and brown, making for the perfect summer staples.

The release of this hat capsule marks the first Reishi™ objects available for purchase on the market. A unique collaboration that celebrates conscious materials, the drop represents a new chapter for the industry. Never has a material embraced so many facets that promote a small environmental footprint. Reishi™ is both plastic-free and animal-free without compromising quality. The patented technology uses advanced science to interlock mycelium into cellular structures. The result is a durable, strong fabric that can be produced in full circularity. You can read more about the material in our deep dive here.

This is only one of many endeavors to come from MycoWorks, as the company plans to continue releasing Reishi™ based products with a number of select brands.

The Reishi™ Collection is now available to shop on NickFouquet.com.