Silver 2020 / Materials Sourcing / Bio-fabricated materials

Mel - Apple Coconut Sneaker

 

 

• Company
  Sylven New York
• Lead Designer
  Casey Dworkin
• Prize
  Silver in Bio-fabricated materials, Silver in Sustainable manufacturing process, Silver in Designer sneakers
• Expertise
  Professional

The Mel is our take on a classic designer fashion sneaker, reimagined with the most sustainably innovative plant and bio-based materials on the planet. This sneaker took more than 2.5 years to research and produce, and features natural materials that are also highly renewable.

The upper is crafted from Apple Leather - a bio-based vegan leather derived from organic food waste in Italy. The insole is made from coconut husks using a chemical-free process. The sole is made from 100% lactae hevea - a natural tree sap that cures into a latex-like material. And our laces are recycled cotton.

Bio
Sylven New York is a conscious footwear brand fostering luxury craftsmanship and sustainable innovation in equal measure. Working with heritage factories in the Tuscany region of Italy, we utilize a cutting-edge combination of bio-based, plant-based, renewable, recyclable, organic, and biodegradable materials.

As the Founder, it’s an incredible opportunity to combine my affinities for sustainability with shoe design. I was born on Earth Day and have always felt an inherent connection to nature. I love introducing new audiences to sustainable practices through intentional design.

Other prizes
Drexel University 40 under 40

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