The Californian brand CLAE is innovating with a sustainable alternative made from grape leather.

Based in Southern California, CLAE continues to explore alternative materials and production practices. The brand remains committed to timeless design and innovation while reducing its environmental impact. For the Fall/Winter 2024 season, CLAE will release two of its iconic styles, Bradley and Joshua, in their most sustainable form yet: a grape leather alternative, GrapeSkin™.

GrapeSkin™ is a revolutionary non-animal material, made in Italy and derived from grapes. The biomaterials company VEGEA® developed this bio-fabric using grape residues, vegetable oils, and natural fibers sourced from agriculture. GrapeSkin™ is GRS-certified, PETA-approved, and complies with strict European regulations. The coating consists of 55% grape and plant-based resins and 45% water-based polyurethane (PU).

GrapeSkin™ won first prize at the GLOBAL CHANGE AWARDS as a sustainable and animal-friendly fashion alternative.

Models

The Bradley and Joshua are now available in a bold burgundy color with cork insoles, paying tribute to another well-known transformative use of grapes. The Bradley features a vegan leather upper with GOTS-certified organic cotton, while the Joshua has a recycled mesh upper with a GRS-certified recycled polyester lining. Each shoe is equipped with a naturally antibacterial cork sole for barefoot wear.

As with all CLAE shoes, comfort and quality are always preserved through new, innovative, and sustainable options.

Delivery: September 2024