Material innovation is an ongoing process of exploration, refinement, and development. As designers and brands seek new ways to bring their ideas to life, the materials they work with must continue to evolve.
At UNCAGED Innovations, we’re building on the technology behind ELEVATE with the introduction of ELEVATE Luxe, the latest addition to our plant-based material portfolio. Developed to address a broader range of design requirements, this new collection reflects our commitment to expanding what our materials can offer to the fashion and design industries.
The Challenge of Achieving Light Colors in Plant-Based Materials
Achieving light colors is one of the technical challenges in the development of next-generation plant-based materials. Most next-gen materials use feedstocks that are dark in color, making light colors impossible without a thick plastic topcoat or harsh bleaching chemicals. Yet, for fashion designers, these shades play an important role in bringing creative ideas to life, from minimalist collections to designs that rely on subtle tones and refined details.
With ELEVATE Luxe, we took on this challenge to expand the possibilities of color in plant-based materials. The result is a palette featuring Natural and Cashew, two light, understated shades that offer designers new opportunities to explore softer color combinations and sophisticated aesthetics. Alongside them, Onyx introduces a deeper tone, adding contrast and versatility to the collection.
But color is only one of the qualities that make ELEVATE Luxe distinctive. We also explored how the material feels, moves, and responds to different applications.
A Softer Material with a More Fluid Drape
For designers, material selection begins with the shape and feel they want to achieve. A particular silhouette may call for gentle folds, a softer touch, or greater freedom of movement. Finding a material that responds to these requirements is essential to bringing that vision to life.
Lenzo, the texture developed for ELEVATE Luxe, was created with these considerations in mind. Inspired by the refined quality of fine calfskin, it brings a more supple construction to the ELEVATE portfolio, with carefully developed characteristics that influence its feel and behavior.
- Fine Grain finish. A delicate surface texture that gives the material a refined, understated appearance.
- 0.7–0.8 mm thickness. A thinner profile that allows the material to form softer folds and drape more naturally.
- 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell Interlock Knit backing. A knitted textile foundation that complements the material’s flexible construction.
Together, these characteristics become especially relevant during material selection and sampling. The way Lenzo settles, folds, and responds to handling allows designers to evaluate how closely it aligns with their intended silhouette and finish.
By expanding the range of material properties available within ELEVATE, we can support a wider variety of creative requirements while maintaining the quality and performance standards that define our materials.
New Possibilities for Fashion and Accessories
In fashion, ELEVATE Luxe opens opportunities to explore garments with flowing panels, relaxed collars, and silhouettes that incorporate movement as part of their design. Accessories offer equally interesting directions, from softly structured handbags and fold-over bags to pouches and smaller pieces with curved, organic shapes.
See how Brenda Palomino, owner and designer of Rapozza Squad, used ELEVATE Luxe to create a custom jacket.
Experience ELEVATE Luxe
As we continue advancing our biomaterial technology, our ambition is to bring plant-based materials into more products and industries, from fashion and accessories to automotive. Each development helps us expand our portfolio and respond to the evolving requirements of different sectors.
We look forward to seeing how ELEVATE Luxe becomes part of new creative projects.
Explore the ELEVATE Luxe collection and order your samples to discover what you can create with it.