About 66 million years ago, Tyrannosaurus rex ruled as one of the planet’s most formidable predators. In a fascinating leap from the ancient past to contemporary fashion, researchers have embarked on a groundbreaking project to create luxury handbags using lab-grown leather derived from the remains of this iconic dinosaur. Set to debut in 2025, this endeavor aims to redefine sustainability in the luxury market, with T. rex DNA acting as the foundational material for a high-quality substitute for traditional leather. Che Connon, a professor at Newcastle University, announced that they are at the cutting edge of biological engineering, positioning their work as the first instance of creating leather from an extinct species.
This innovative project is a collaboration involving VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. By utilizing fossilized collagen from T. rex remains, researchers hope to establish a new biodegradable and ethically sound material that mirrors the structure of conventional leather. Many experts remain skeptical, however, questioning the feasibility of sourcing reliable DNA from a creature that went extinct millions of years ago. Yet, Connon and his team express confidence in their approach, emphasizing that they have already achieved significant breakthroughs in tissue engineering and cell production, which will expedite the realization of their vision.
Initially, this T. rex leather will be used for luxury accessories, with aims to release a flagship product by the end of the year. Beyond fashion, there is potential for broader applications, even within the automotive industry. This prospect of merging ancient biology with cutting-edge technology excites many involved in the project, as it opens doors to the creation of novel materials that could surpass traditional limitations in both performance and aesthetics. Bas Korsten, the Global Chief Creative Officer at VML, highlighted the project’s ability to push boundaries and create unprecedented materials that could redefine luxury goods in numerous sectors.
The manufacturing process relies on synthetic DNA to engineer cells, which are then integrated using a scaffold-free method to form natural structures reminiscent of skin. Thomas Mitchell, CEO of The Organoid Company, described the endeavor as a unique opportunity to harness genome and protein engineering to create materials inspired by ancient biology. According to VML, the final product will not only replicate the tactile and aesthetic qualities expected from high-end leather but will also be more durable and repairable compared to conventional alternatives.
While some experts voice skepticism, viewing the idea of T. rex leather as fanciful, others acknowledge the project’s merit, albeit with caution. Thomas Holtz, a paleontologist, pointed out that no preserved T. rex DNA exists, given the age of the species, and that historically, only collagen from bones—not skin—has been found. This raises questions regarding the authenticity of the leather’s origins. Another critic, Tom Ellis, called the project a gimmick, suggesting that any resulting collagen would closely resemble the properties of more common animals like cows or chickens, questioning the uniqueness of the material.
Connon remains undeterred by these criticisms, clarifying that leather does not equate to skin, and emphasizing that essential components for creating leather can indeed be derived from ancient biological materials. He pointed out that the extraction of collagen from bones could lead to success, as these tissues carry the same biological structures that would ultimately form leather. As awareness about the technology grows, Connon believes that the project will gain recognition and appreciation, bridging the gap between ancient biology and modern luxury.
The environmental and ethical implications of this venture cannot be overlooked. Traditional leather production often involves deforestation and the use of harmful chemicals, leading to significant ecological repercussions. By contrast, lab-grown leather promises to mitigate these issues while addressing animal cruelty concerns. As climate change accelerates and affects global ecosystems, the innovation rooted in ancient dinosaur biology aims to contribute to a greener future in the luxury material marketplace, highlighting a forward-thinking approach to fashion and sustainability.
