Ceci N’était Pas Un Animal x Planet of the Grapes: animal-free materials for animal accessories
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
The starting point for Ceci N’était Pas Un Animal is beautifully direct:
‘why should one animal wear another?’
asked founder Roman Raibaudi.
A fellow brand founded in the south of France, Ceci N’était Pas Un Animal creates customised collars, leads and accessories for cats, dogs and other domestic animals. Its philosophy sits close to the heart of Planet of the Grapes’ work: material innovation is not only about replacing one surface with another. It is about questioning the assumptions built into the objects we use every day.
The collaboration brings Planet of the Grapes into the world of sustainable pet accessories, showing how grape-derived biomaterials can be used not only in fashion and luxury goods, but in the everyday objects that sit close to people, animals and home life.
A vegan collaboration with a clear purpose
Pet accessories are often made with animal-derived materials, even when the product is designed for animals themselves. Ceci N’était Pas Un Animal approaches that contradiction with humour, clarity and care. The collaboration with Planet of the Grapes offered a way to test our material Canyon in a practical, everyday category where strength and durability matter.
Together, we developed a dog collar and lead using Planet of the Grapes’ material. The project explored not only how the material could look, but how it could function when worn, pulled, handled and used by dogs with real energy.
Canyon was a natural fit for this kind of object. Developed from grape marc - the skins, seeds and stems left behind after winemaking - it has a matte, irregular surface and a firm, structured handle. It feels grounded and tactile, but it is also made for real handling: a material that can be cut, stitched, shaped and used in objects where surface and strength both matter.
Personalisation through laser cutting
One of the most interesting elements of the collaboration was the use of laser cutting. Canyon’s surface made personalisation part of the material story, allowing names or contact details to be worked directly into the collar rather than added as a separate detail.
This opened up a different kind of application for grape-based biomaterials: one where the surface is not just decorative, but functional. The material became a place for identity, care and safety, while still supporting the animal-free values behind the brand.
For designers, this kind of testing is valuable. It shows how a biomaterial responds not only to cutting and stitching, but also to more precise customisation techniques.
Strength in everyday use
The collaboration also became an early proof point for strength. Pet accessories need to withstand movement, pressure and repeated wear, especially when used by larger or more energetic dogs.
According to Planet of the Grapes founder Sam, the material performed well in this context, showing that grape-based biomaterials can move beyond sample books and exhibition pieces into practical daily use.
The Ceci N’était Pas Un Animal collaboration brings together a clear ethical idea, a charming product category and a functional test of material strength.
A more respectful material language
This partnership is a small object with a big argument inside it. An animal-free collar is not only a vegan alternative. It is a different way of thinking about care, companionship and the materials we choose for the animals who live alongside us.
Pet accessories are often overlooked in conversations around responsible design. Collars, leads and small animal accessories are frequently made from leather, coated synthetics or plastic-based materials, despite being objects people use every day and keep close to home.
By working with Canyon, Ceci N’était Pas Un Animal opens up a more thoughtful route for sustainable pet accessories - one where material choice, durability, tactility and visual identity are considered together.
Moving biomaterials forward
Interested in exploring grape-derived biomaterials for applications in fashion, accessories, interiors, mobility or luxury packaging?
Discover the Planet of the Grapes Material Library or get in touch to discuss sampling, applications and collaborations.
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