As we get ready to launch our Series 7 collection, Cathryn reflects on her visit to Mexico in early 2020, just prior to the COVID-19 crisis escalating in Europe / US / Australia + across the globe.  One of the highlights of the trip was time spent with the founders of Desserto Pelle, the innovative business behind the cactus derived faux 'leather'.  

Reptilian.  The word evokes prehistoric mystery, an otherworldliness, a cold blooded family of creatures + ultimately, fear.  We've been raised to see these slithery, silent + stealthy beings, as the enemy.  But despite seeing mystery + beauty in these creatures, we don't believe they should be exploited for their body parts - simply to cater to our vanities.  We're a fan of faux + we'd love to show you some options for how to wear + style it.  Read on.

We’re calling it early at Studio Sans Beast - khaki is one of our top picks for this Spring/ Summer season. For our Series 6 collection we’ve taken some of our much loved pieces + reimagined them in khaki toned fabrics, plus we’ve added in some brand new khaki styles. Here are our top khaki picks just in time for you to #BeastBloom:

We've all been there with the bottomless pit of a tote.  Throwing all of our daily needs into it when we've been rushing around being important + busy (note: slow down...but that's another blog post) .  When we create each bag - be it big or small - we focus on how our community will wear them + what they'll use them for.  Read on to learn about each of our tote bags - their form, functionality + versatility - and fall in love with the notion of bringing some organisation into your life.

You may call it a belt bag, a bumbag, a fanny pack or a bodypack - whatever the name, this utilitarian yet chic style of bag is here to stay.  Rhi has put together a post on how to style a belt bag.  We've got a few in our collection, from the Freefall to the Petite Smuggler - and a couple of cross body bags that double as belt bags with a quick change of the straps + buckles.  Read on to discover just how versatile this trend can be.

Whether it's for environmental or ethical reasons, more + more people are seeking alternatives to leather in the fashion space.  The term 'vegan leather' has gained in popularity as a result.  What does this mean, what are the options, is it better or worse for the environment?  For Sans Beast, ethics will always be a fundamental element of this conversation - we don't believe animals should suffer for our fashion choices - however for many, it's a bigger conversation around the environment + finite resources, that resonates.  We attempt to offer some insight on this subject in this blog post.

It may be Autumn in Australia, but with the COVID-19 Iso life we're all leading, there's a Spring Clean feeling in the air.  Wardrobes are being tidied, mending is underway + the accessories collection is getting some tender loving care on the cleaning front.  So, how do you clean your vegan leather bags + wallets?  Read on for some tips + tricks to keep your beasts looking their best in hibernation, because as we all know, they will walk in the fresh air again soon.

Mother's Day is Sunday May 10.  We know this year is different to any that have come before - and spending is not top of the agenda for many.  We've come up with a list of activities you can do to make Mum feel special - no cash required.  Whether you live with your Mum or you're in ISO + not able to see her right now - we think taking some time to consider how to shower her with your love is important, now more than ever.

We spoke with Victoria Fox, the inspiring founder of Melbourne CBD urban beauty wonderland (aka day spa with a difference) Miss Fox about all things business, the need for evolution when priorities change + the importance of self care in the business building + life journey.   If you've not visited this special place, we encourage you to indulge + take some time out of that busy schedule to slow down + get pampered.  

As we settle into the new working year, we're focusing on continuing to bring style to vegan handbags - never forgetting they need to be functional yet fabulous.  We've put together a Back to Business Edit for the professionals, the students, the entrepreneurs + super organised humans in our community. Think pockets, storage, versatility + the all important ‘can it take me from the boardroom to after work drinks’ factor.  Get busy, we've got you covered for cruelty free style.

 

"As we approach the end of 2019, not only are we getting ready to bid farewell to another year, it's time also to ponder the fact that it's not just a new year that's about to start - it's a new decade. 5 years ago, Sans Beast wasn't even a thought in my mind. Fast-forwarding to the dawn of the 2020's - and I couldn't imagine being in a different place.  Love, CW."

The fashion industry is going through much change + challenge - from sustainability to ethics, to the question of consumption; how is a designer to feel about all of this, after studying for years to join the much admired world of fashion?  Emily Cameron, graduated from RMIT 3 years ago, then headed to London to join the industry in a large retail business.  We're thrilled to now have Emily in our team, and asked her to share some thoughts on how she sees the industry today + what inspires her to continue creating within it.