RadiciGroup, a leader in sustainable textile solutions, has partnered with Ferragamo to launch “Nova – The evolution of a Star”, an eco-design project reimagining one of the Maison’s iconic handbags through circular fashion principles.
The initiative is part of the Monitor for Circular Fashion (M4CF), a research observatory by SDA Bocconi School of Management. M4CF connects companies, institutions, and stakeholders in the Textile, Clothing, Leather, and Footwear (TCLF) sector. Its aim is to accelerate the shift toward sustainable and circular business models.
Debut at Circular Fashion Manifesto 2025
The Nova project was unveiled on 30 September 2025 during the Circular Fashion Manifesto 2025 launch. Twenty-seven fashion companies signed the manifesto, which is expected to become a European benchmark for circular practices.
Collaborative Eco-Design Approach
The Nova bag is the result of cooperation among multiple industrial partners:
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Radici Yarn (RadiciGroup): Textiles
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Conceria Antiba: Leather
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ICEC and UNIC: Certification
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Temera: Digital identity
The design focused on traceability, chemical safety, and durability. It uses renewable, bio-based materials:
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Fabric: Biofeel® eleven, a 100% bio-based yarn derived from castor oil.
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Leather: Vegetable-tanned, fully traceable leather from Conceria Antiba.
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Assembly: No metals or glues used, with 60% less packaging volume.
The bag achieves 84.3% bio-based carbon content, measured through radiocarbon C14 testing. This proves that aesthetics, innovation, and sustainability can coexist.
Insights from RadiciGroup
Filippo Bona, R&D Manager Apparel & Technical at RadiciGroup, said:
“It was an honour to take part in this eco-design project, which is a step toward a sustainable and responsible future. At Radici Yarn, we focused on selecting the best materials and working with supply chain partners to create a functional product that respects environmental and social responsibility values. Biofeel® eleven combines lightness, strength, and sustainability, showing that technical performance and environmental care can go hand in hand.”
Driving Circular Innovation
The Nova project highlights how collaboration across the supply chain drives innovation. Moreover, it accelerates the circular transition in fashion. Through the Monitor for Circular Fashion, this initiative contributes to a broader European movement aiming to redefine sustainable practices in textiles, leather, and footwear.
