Here we are in December. It's been another year of challenge in the retail space - yet as we approach the end of 2025, I am content with the clarity that has come from sitting with the trials + tribulations of running a small business.
I made the decision a few months ago to not proceed with a new collection for the first half of next year. No new drop, no re-orders, no additional stock. When I took to socials with this news I was asked by friends + associates if this was 'the end' of Sans Beast. In short, no, it's not.
And yet, it is indeed going to be a hibernation of sorts. We will still be in business, we still have stock (for now) - but we will be in a phase of reimagining what our size + scale can and should look like as progress into 2026 + beyond. Undoubtedly some styles will be sold out (a few already are) faster than others, but this is the necessary action in order for us to 'clear the decks' for what comes next.
This is not a 'poor us' post. I am so incredibly proud of the community we have built, and the fact that after 8 years of Sans Beast - we are still standing. I have been in the fashion retail industry for 35 years + I've 'done' the retail calendar every which way - new collections across multiple categories, new photographic campaigns, launch, sell, markdown, launch again. Over + over.
Now, in my mid 50's, I simply don't want that any more. The process of creation remains a joy to me - from concept to manufacturing to story telling - yet the need for this to be in line with a pre-ordained schedule no longer resonates.
The liberating thing about running my own show is that I have agency on how the business operates. It's not always easy being self funded + balancing ambition with resource - yet not being answerable to those who may seek immediate profit brings a certain freedom.
We are not for everyone, we are not mass market + we have an ethos that is steeped in a belief that animals are here with us, not for us. There is much happening in the alternative leather + materials space, and whilst it would be ideal for big business to support the scaling of these pioneering entities - being a small player in the fashion space can still make waves. That is what I intend to continue doing.
I'm working on what comes next. I've just been to HK + China to review some future concepts (most of these pics are from that trip), I'm placing sampling material orders with biobased material makers + I'm sketching, amongst other more mundane tasks of running the business. I'm working hard at not moving fast (anyone who knows me knows that this is a challenge in itself 😉) but moving with purpose.
I hope you'll stick with us as we navigate the next steps for Sans Beast. The future is still evolving on the page, and I plan on it being a creative one. Little Cathryn in the above photo was crafty + a (messy) dreamer. I intend to channel more of her spirit, and let the 24/7 workaholic take a back seat for a bit.
Thank you to our brand citizens. I hope this month brings with it a chance to spend time with family, partake in some festive cheer + enjoy a little downtime to reflect on the year that is coming to a close.
Have a fabulous December.
CW 💋