Focusing on the future of natural materials, ECCO Leather’s 14th HOT-SHOP addressed the application of leather and nonanimal materials in unexpected and unconventional adaptations.
With 80 international participants, HOT-SHOP 14 was held under the theme Hypothesis which was meant to challenge the conventional perception, use, and performance of leather. The concepts and leathers that came out of the four-day leather festival did indeed challenge this with ideas for leathers integrated in electronics and as a construction material in buildings.
“As part of our ambitions, the theme this year encouraged the hot-shop community to create new applications of leather and non-animal based material. All the revolutionary outcome challenges the materials' traditional function and use and will inspire new requirements and properties. We were also excited to be able to present the ECCO Leather’s EL3 Motion collection of leathers that challenges the futuristic notion of organic materials with technical functionality,” says Christine Mukakasa, Head of ECCO Leather's Design Studio.
The recent launch of EL3, a concept that transforms the 9,000-year-old tanning process by challenging the status quo, is a new platform for natural material innovation at ECCO Leather. It is large scale manufacturing combined with a disruptive, creative mindset. The idea was born out of the HOT-SHOP spirit and manifested itself at the festival as a vehicle that will push these ideas forward in the future.
"I wanted people to come to ECCO Leather and be transported to a different world," explains Panos Mytaros, CEO of ECCO Group.
About ECCO Leather
Driving leather innovation: ECCO Leather develops highly progressive leather qualities for some of the industry’s most iconic contemporary designers and brands. With Gold rated tanneries in the Netherlands, Thailand, and China, ECCO Leather is pioneering sustainable technologies such as the world’s first DriTan™ leather.
Rebellious experimentation: To maintain its rich tradition in innovation, ECCO Leather hosts collaborative multi-disciplinary creative laboratories aimed at uniting designers, buyers, production managers, marketers, and leather technicians. These annual four-day HOT-SHOP events allow participants to envision new leather directions and work in integrated teams to prototype and sample new leather. https://eccoleather.com/
About ECCO
ECCO is one of the world’s leading shoe brands, combining style and comfort. ECCO’s success is built on top-quality leathers and innovative technology. ECCO is a highly responsible company that owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from leather and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities. ECCO’s products are sold in 89 countries from over 2,180 ECCO shops and more than 14,000 sales points. Founded in Denmark, ECCO is family-owned and has been moving people since 1963. The company employs 21,400 people worldwide.