From Graz to Milan

soulseil at Milan Design Week 2025! In collaboration with FreyZein (Graz) and BEES (Italy), we are presenting our new sustainable headwear for the first time: caps and a fishing hut. The prototypes are on display as part of the WORTH Exhibition at ZONA K, Via Spalato 11, Milan – a platform that brings together innovation, circular economy, and design.

"What makes our caps unique is the fusion of circular and bio-based materials. FreyZein's innovative fabrics – free of plastic and petroleum – combined with recycled climbing ropes as a sustainable closure solution make our designs special."

What's behind the new project?

• Bio-based materials
  The fabrics come from FreyZein , an innovative startup from Graz that develops textile alternatives without plastic and petroleum – for example, cellulose-based or plant-based materials. They develop sustainable textile innovations and environmentally friendly alternatives to polyester and down. The company receives funding for its research and collaborates with organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) on pioneering projects.
• Discarded climbing ropes as a closure
  The closure on the new caps and hats is more than just a functional detail – it tells a story. They show only subtle signs of wear, yet lose neither functionality nor charm. The caps feature a timeless design with the colorful closure as an eye-catching detail. The variety of rope colors makes each head covering unique – with timeless design and subtle variation.
• A common goal
  The project aims to demonstrate how future-proof design can be implemented using materials that are already in circulation – combined with tomorrow's textile technologies.
  Or in short: What happens when you take circular thinking seriously?

"The environmental pollution caused by the fashion industry is far too often overlooked. We want to showcase alternatives that are durable, beautiful and meaningful – and encourage reflection."