Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

A futuristic blend of science and luxury fashion is making global headlines after a handbag inspired by the T. rex went on display with a jaw-dropping auction estimate of nearly Rs 5 crore.

The teal-coloured accessory is showcased at Amsterdam’s Art Zoo museum, where it is displayed in a dramatic setup placed on a rock inside a cage beneath a T. Rex Replica. The exhibit aims to highlight the unusual connection between prehistoric life and modern innovation. Visitors can view it until May 11, after which it will go under the hammer.

Created by fashion label Enfin Leve, the bag incorporates lab-grown material developed using advanced biotechnology. The design also features sterling silver detailing and accents with black diamonds, giving it a high-end luxury appeal.

What makes it truly unique is its origin story. Scientists worked with companies including VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. to recreate collagen inspired by fossilised T. rex remains discovered in the United States. The reconstructed biological structure was then cultivated using host cells to produce lab-grown collagen, which was later processed into leather-like material.

Experts involved in the project say the process involved multiple technical hurdles, but represents a major step in biomaterial innovation. The idea is to move beyond traditional leather by creating sustainable, lab-engineered alternatives with a futuristic edge.

According to researchers, even small samples of the material are valued in thousands of euros, reflecting its rarity and experimental nature.

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After its museum showcase, the handbag is expected to go under auction, where it could attract bids starting above $500,000 (around Rs 5 crore).

With its mix of ancient inspiration and cutting-edge science, the piece is being seen as a symbol of how fashion is rapidly entering a new technological era.