British author, journalist and TV presenter, Candice Brathwaite, has collaborated with the recycled bag brand Been London to launch a handbag collection created from recycled materials.
The limited-edition collection includes The Esme crossbody handbag and a makeup bag and pouch named Mini Esme. The bags are all made from reused materials including leather waste, discarded clothes and single-use plastic bottles.
“Collaborating with Candice Brathwaite has been an absolute joy,” said Genia Mineeva, Been London’s founder and creative director.
“After we spotted her first wearing our Ridley crossbody, we knew with Candice’s incredible sense of style and her love for bags that she would design an incredible bag and we most definitely were not disappointed.”
Brathwaite was involved in the process of designing these bags with Been London, a process she described as an interesting and educational experience.
“It’s a total bonus that the whole collection is made from certified recycled materials and I’ve enjoyed learning about Been London’s sustainability story. I’m in love with the Esmé bag and I can’t wait to take it with me everywhere going into autumn/winter,” said Brathwaite.
According to the company, the collection is handmade to commit to the low-waste production process. Mineeva confirmed all materials used in the bags are certified and traceable, using sustainable materials, such as Recycled Standard-certified leather, recycled cotton, and Oekotex Standard 100 certified zip tape.
The collection is now available on Been London’s website.
Brathwaite was the creator of Make Motherhood Diverse, an online enterprise whose objective is to make people see themselves reflected online.
Been London is not the only company Viable Earth has written about that is focusing on making bags more sustainably. Mulberry has developed a program to recycle or repair pre-owned bags, and in New Zealand, Deadly Ponies creates accessories from sustainable, ethically sourced leathers.
