# Amazonian Fish Skin Fabrics Oskar Metsavaht's Scaly Garments are an Alternative to Leather By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-11-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazonian-fish References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/11/15/oskar-metsavaht-pirarucu-fish-skin-sustainable-fashion/) & [osklen](http://www.osklen.com/) Brazil-based designer Oskar Metsavaht stuns consumers with an [innovative garment material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycoworks-reishi) made from Amazonian fish skin. The creative seeks to address the problem of deforestation and attempts to do so by addressing a hefty factor of the unfortunate phenomenon — cattle ranching. Oskar Metsavaht's scaly garments are made from the skin of the Amazonian fish pirarucu. The textured exterior alone makes for a strikingly chic element that renders the items unique and interesting. A [viable alternative to leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myco-travel-pouch), the material is a [by-product of the food industry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arda-biomaterials). Pirarucu is a dominant component to the north Brazilian diet but people often prefer to discard the skin. Oskar Metsavaht takes advantage of this, adding a degree of sustainability to his practice as well. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Fashion:** The use of Amazonian fish skin as an alternative to leather presents an opportunity for sustainable fashion. - **Circular Economy:** The utilization of a by-product from the food industry for fashion presents an opportunity for a circular economy. - **Environmentally Friendly Materials:** The use of Amazonian fish skin presents an opportunity to create environmentally friendly materials for various products. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can consider using Amazonian fish skin as an alternative to traditional leather in their products. - **Food:** The food industry can explore partnerships with the fashion industry to provide materials from fish skins for sustainable fashion. - **Sustainability:** The environmental sustainability industry can offer consultation and solutions to businesses looking to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of Amazonian fish skin in fashion. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fruit-Based Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peelsphere.md) - [Biomimetic Fashion Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonhuman-life.md) - [Unconventional Fish Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woop4.md) - [Avant-Garde Biomimicry Fashion Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomimicry-fashion.md) - [PETA-Approved Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative.md) - [Sustainable Statement Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animalia.md) - [Bio-Leather Fungal Protectants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungal-coating.md) - [Lab-Grown Fibre Scarves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burberry-b-shield-scarf.md) - [Cruelty-Free Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crueltyfree-leather-alternative.md)