Photos – courtesy of MycoWorks ©
A groundbreaking collaboration between biotech innovators MycoWorks and Parisian design agency Paragone has given rise to Mycelium Muse, a collection of eight avant-garde interior objects crafted from Reishi—a cutting-edge material made from mycelium, the root-like network of fungi. This October, visitors to Design Miami.Paris can witness firsthand how Reishi is rewriting the rules of sustainable design, as seven visionary women designers transform this material into artful, functional, and poetic creations.
What Is Reishi?
Reishi is more than a material—it’s a muse for a new generation of creatives. Developed by MycoWorks, Reishi is a unique innovation that bridges the gap between leather and fabric. While it mimics leather’s strength and versatility—it can be dyed, embossed, varnished, or otherwise transformed—it retains the soft, tactile quality of natural textiles.
Woven from mycelium, the intricate fungal network that thrives underground, Reishi represents a harmonious union of nature and technology. It’s durable, beautiful, and endlessly customizable, making it the ideal medium for designers seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
A Collection That Fuses Nature and Art
The Mycelium Muse collection features works by seven remarkable women designers and artists, including architects Sophie Dries, Marion Mailaender, and Fanny Perrier, interior designer Joséphine Fossey, and visual artists Sarah Valente and Pauline Guerrier. Each brought their unique perspective to the medium, crafting objects that challenge conventional ideas of interior design while highlighting Reishi’s potential to blend artistry and sustainability.
From ethereal sculptures to functional home decor, the collection highlights the creative potential of mycelium as both a canvas and a concept. These designs are not only visually stunning but also reflect an urgent commitment to rethinking environmental durability and sustainable luxury.
“If muses have inspired artists for centuries, mycelium is inspiring today’s designers to merge nature and art, creating virtuous objects that rethink sustainability,” says Guillaume de Saint Lager, founder of Paragone.
A Look Into the Design Philosophy
Each piece in the collection tells a story of transformation—of shedding old norms and embracing new possibilities, much like mycelium itself. Reishi allows designers to explore liminal spaces where nature meets craftsmanship.
The women behind Mycelium Muse have pushed the boundaries of Reishi, crafting objects that are soft yet strong, modern yet timeless. From glittering finishes to richly textured surfaces, their creations are as much about feel as they are about form.
“These seven women embody the essence of the modern muse—creative, daring, and unafraid to challenge the status quo,” says de Saint Lager.
Discover Mycelium Muse
The Mycelium Muse collection will debut at Design Miami.Paris from October 15–20, 2024, located at 51 rue de l’Université, 75005 Paris. This exhibit offers a rare chance to experience the interplay of Reishi, art, and sustainable design in a single, immersive space.
Founded in 2013 by artists Philip Ross and Sophia Wang, MycoWorks is a biotechnology pioneer reshaping the future of materials. Through its patented Fine Mycelium platform, MycoWorks has created Reishi, a revolutionary material with unparalleled beauty, strength, and adaptability. As the biotech’s flagship innovation, Reishi embodies the company’s vision of crafting sustainable materials for the next generation of creators.
Paragone champions the creativity of emerging talent under the leadership of Guillaume de Saint Lager. With a focus on mentorship and collaboration, Paragone provides a platform for dynamic creatives in architecture and design, fostering a community of innovation and diversity.
