Mirco Scoccia: betting on plant-based footwear
In today’s world, fashion innovation is breaking boundaries and redefining what’s possible. With cutting-edge machinery, revolutionary designs, and emerging technologies, the industry is moving beyond traditional materials, creating products from unexpected sources—like food. And today, this is exactly what we are going to talk about.
Recently, we had the pleasure to host in our Shanghai offices Mirco Scoccia, a footwear designer and entrepreneur who has taken a bold leap into this innovative frontier by founding O2 Monde - a fashion company producing luxury plant-based footwear for women.
How was O2 Monde born?
O2 Monde stands for "oxygen," which is a pure, essential element for life, and "monde," which means "world" in French. My idea was to combine these two words to create an ecosystem that brings fresh air to the fashion industry. The goal was to create a luxury shoe brand carrying sustainability as its core value.
What specific sustainable practices does O2 Monde implement?
We unit premium biomaterials with innovative designs Made in Italy. We use new types of glues, packaging materials, and we’ve developed a different production cycle for our shoes compared to traditional leather processes. Among the plant-based leathers we utilize, the one made from pineapple fibers is the best. The texture is incredible, offering softness and durability similar to real leather. We also use grape-based materials and corn-based linings, which are 100% breathable and preserve that real leather-like touch and feel.
What is, in your opinion, the most challenging plant-based material for footwear design?
Right now, mushroom leather has been the most challenging material to work with. Whereas some brands use it, mushroom’s skins are inconsistent in size and quality, making it difficult to use. Each piece requires careful patterning and isn’t suitable for every product, so it demands a different approach and lots of research.
What is the biggest difference in the design process between plant-based and regular shoes?
The biggest difference lies in how you communicate with customers and market the product. Being sustainable in fashion means not only integrating sustainable materials and circular processes in your business model, but also reducing its overall pace. Designing and launching new products every season, as traditional brands do, goes against the whole concept of sustainability. Instead, we have focused on creating a core collection and periodically introducing new styles. Additionally, we try to reduce our emissions through shipping all products directly from Italy, without unnecessary intermediaries, as well as using 100% certified paper packaging.
What measures does O2 Monde take to minimize overstock and reduce waste in its production cycle?
When launching new styles, we first test the market with minimal production. If the feedback is positive, we then introduce new colors and materials for the next season. Typically, we launch two or three styles each month in order to keep the product line fresh and satisfy consumers with new silhouettes and options.
Are there any differences in sustainability between International and Chinese footwear brands?
I don’t think there’s a significant difference. It’s more about whether a company chooses to fully embrace sustainability. If a brand decides to commit to the cause, it should fully embrace it 100%. Otherwise, they might start with a small capsule collection alongside their traditional line. Still, I find this approach not ideal as it creates an inconsistent message from both the brand’s and customer’s perspectives.
How do you think that Between Conscious could have a role in this movement?
I love the idea that your program gives the opportunity to connect young, talented designers with brands and vice versa. You do your job from such a unique and great angle. Ultimately, driving innovation in the field of sustainability requires connecting the right people across the globe, and your efforts are pivotal in making that happen.
