Linwei Zheng

Linwei Zheng is an inventive accessory designer who focuses on creating bags and eyewear, concentrating on ecological sustainability and animal ethics. Her groundbreaking methodology involves repurposing materials such as discarded car tires, animal hides, and bones, diving deep into the unexplored potential of these often-disregarded resources.

In her exhaustive research, Linwei has unveiled the extraordinary attributes of innertubes, such as their elasticity, versatility, and resilience. Capitalizing on these characteristics, she has curated a fascinating collection of innertube bags and eyewear, continuously challenging boundaries to exploit the maximum potential of the material.

Beyond her innovative utilization of innertubes, Linwei demonstrates a profound commitment to animal material based projects that employ an array of elements, including full leather, offcuts, and discarded bones salvaged from post-meal waste. Drawing inspiration from the profound words of Ferguson Henderson, & quote; ‘It would be disingenuous to the animal not to make the most of the whole beast’. I  acknowledge the intrinsic worth of parts of animal bodies that are typically neglected and discarded, rather than perceiving them as mere waste. She attempt to breathe new life into these materials, morphing them into elegant accessories.

Furthermore, a familial connection to the butchery trade deeply informs her mission to spotlight the often-underappreciated animals and professions linked to this industry. She treats bones and leather as valuable commodities, meticulously experimenting with intricate processes to refine these imperfect animal parts by raising the status of discarded animal materials. Linwei prefers to celebrate the craftsmanship of industry workers and aspires to foster a deeper sense of value and appreciation for these frequently marginalized resources.

As a designer and artist this is staunch in her belief that while it may be implausible to eliminate the use of animals in human society, the ethical and respectful treatment of these resources is essential. In her practice, she champions a holistic approach, ensuring every part of the animal is put to use. Contrary to the wasteful practices often seen in traditional high-end leather goods production, her designs ingeniously use the entire hide, leaving no part unused or discarded. Through her mindful design philosophy, Linwei aims to reshape attitudes surrounding animal materials and promote a more sustainable and ethical approach to their usage. Her work is a powerful testament to the possibility of a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals, laying the groundwork for a future where both are equally valued and respected.