A new era of luxury fashion is on the horizon—one that dates back millions of years. A groundbreaking collaboration between creative agency VML, biotech pioneers The Organoid Company, and sustainable materials firm Lab-Grown Leather is set to produce the world’s first handbag made from Tyrannosaurus rex leather, created using reconstructed DNA from the extinct predator.
The T-Rex, a towering apex predator of the prehistoric world, is now at the heart of a futuristic material revolution. This ambitious project aims to produce a high-end, cruelty-free, and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional leather, with the first product expected to launch by the end of the year.
“This is a powerful example of what’s possible at the intersection of genome science and material innovation,” said Thomas Mitchell, CEO of The Organoid Company. “By reconstructing ancient protein sequences, we’re able to design and grow a biofabricated leather inspired by the T-Rex.”
How It Works: Turning Ancient DNA into Leather
At the core of the project is collagen—a protein found in bones, skin, and connective tissue. While scientists once believed DNA couldn’t survive for millions of years, recent discoveries have unearthed preserved collagen in dinosaur fossils, including one from an 80-million-year-old T-Rex.
Using this preserved collagen as a blueprint, researchers have recreated the complete collagen sequence of the T-Rex. This sequence is encoded into DNA and inserted into lab-grown cells developed by Lab-Grown Leather. These cells then grow into a collagen-rich tissue mimicking animal skin—without the need for an actual animal.
What makes this method stand out is its “scaffold-free” approach. Unlike other biotech firms that rely on support structures to shape their materials, Lab-Grown Leather’s cells are encouraged to grow and organize independently, resulting in a more natural leather-like texture.
Sustainable, Luxurious, and Biodegradable
If successful, this bioengineered leather could change the way we think about luxury materials. T-Rex leather is expected to be strong, self-repairing, biodegradable, and possess the rich texture and durability associated with premium leather goods.
Its environmental credentials are equally compelling. Traditional leather production is often linked to deforestation, excessive water use, and toxic chemicals. In contrast, lab-grown T-Rex leather eliminates animal cruelty and dramatically reduces the environmental footprint.
VML plans to debut the T-Rex leather in a flagship accessory item, set to launch in late 2025. Future applications could include furniture, fashion, and even automotive interiors.
This isn’t the first time VML has dabbled in ancient biotech. In 2023, the agency made headlines with its Mammoth Meatball project, using DNA from the extinct woolly mammoth to create lab-grown meat.
“With T-Rex leather, we’re blending ancient biology with modern innovation,” said Bas Korsten, VML’s Global Chief Creative Officer. “It’s about reimagining the materials of the future using the wonders of the past.”
