Project Title: MyTrucker
The Designer: Charles Cryer
Concept: The design concept for this project revolved around a harmonious blend of innovation and practicality, with sustainability as the guiding principle. My goal was to reinterpret timeless wardrobe staples, a classic denim style jacket and a versatile handbag, through the lens of Forager's groundbreaking mycelium-based materials
Each piece was conceived not just as an object, but as a testament to the potential of sustainable textiles to redefine how we approach everyday fashion. By adapting my patterns and techniques to accommodate the unique properties of mycelium leather, I sought to highlight its versatility and resilience while honoring its natural origins.
The jacket, with its reimagined curves and lightweight construction, reflects a balance between structure and fluidity, addressing both fit and the fragility of the material. The handbag, designed with reinforced chapes for durability, exemplifies the interplay of form and function, crafted to endure and evolve with time.
Ultimately, this collection aims to inspire a shift towards responsible craftsmanship, demonstrating that sustainability and wearability can coexist without compromise.
Process: My process was rooted in experimentation and problem solving, shaped entirely by the unique demands of mycelium leather. Each step required careful consideration of how the material behaved under tension, how it interacted with stitching, and how it could be manipulated without compromising its integrity.
For the jacket, I had to rethink conventional techniques to accommodate the material's rigidity and fragility. Adjustments like creating single-layer pocket flaps, collars, and tabs were essential to reduce bulk and prevent tearing. Seams were a particular challenge, I adopted top stitching methods that allowed the material to lay flat while adding stability. Adding curves to the sleeve and back panels not only improved fit but also reduced the bowing effect caused by the material's stiffness.
The handbag presented a different set of opportunities. Its more flexible structure made assembly smoother, but I still focused on reinforcing areas that would face regular strain, such as the hardware attachments. Adding chapes wasn’t just a practical solution; it was a chance to integrate repairability into the design, ensuring the piece could endure over time.
Overall, my process was about finding a balance between respecting the material's limitations and pushing its potential. Every adjustment and innovation was made with the goal of creating designs that honored sustainability without sacrificing function or form.
About the Designer: Charles Cryer is a designer and artisan with a focus on sustainable craftsmanship and thoughtful design. With experience as a master artisan at Louis Vuitton’s repair center and a former career as an exotic mushroom grower for Texas Fungus, Charles Cryer brings a unique blend of skills to working with innovative materials like mycelium leather.
His work is driven by a commitment to sustainability and reducing waste, creating designs that are both functional and enduring. Charles Cryer sees every project as an opportunity to explore the possibilities of ethical, forward-thinking fashion.
