Here we are, already midway through 2026.
Those of you that are yet to sign up to our newsletter may not be aware that I've been writing a monthly Field Notes for close to 5 years. It's typically a mix of what's been happening at Sans Beast + what we have coming up in the business. I also share thoughts, findings, inspirations or aspirations that cross my path + my mind. As we head into the latter months of the year + the launch of our latest collection, I thought I'd share a mix of these monthly updates from the first half of 2026.
Hibernation
I made the decision mid last year (2025) to not proceed with a new collection for the first half of 2026. No new drop, no re-orders, no additional stock. It has been a hibernation of sorts allowing us to 'clear the decks' for what comes next.
Hibernation didn't mean stopping - a lot was happening in the background, to ensure that when we came out of this down time, we were ready to go. I placed sampling material orders with biobased material makers + sketched, amongst other more mundane tasks of running the business. I worked hard at not moving fast (anyone who knows me knows that this is a challenge in itself 😉) but moving with purpose.
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, despite wanting to continue creating as well as flying the flag for animal free fashion - I want to operate at our own pace.
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 Traveller
I visited Shanghai in March for a materials expo along with a supplier meeting - and of course, to soak up the street style, retail + art scene that makes up this incredible city. I also visited our manufacturing partners in Dongguan to work with the team on what's coming next.
In May we celebrated our 9th birthday quietly + with calm reflection, then I spent most of June travelling - first a holiday in Bali with my sis Jen, followed by a visit to biobased material maker, Bell Living Lab, in Bandung, Indonesia. The innovative team at Bell are doing amazing things with coffee grounds - both for interiors + for fashion.
I then spent some more time in Bali designing the next collection with a favourite freelance designer, Hayley - a talented soul I worked with at MIMCO many moons ago. China was next, followed by HK - checking on production, putting into work the new styles + gathering visual stories along the way.
Back In Stock
In June we finally took delivery of some much missed favourites - and we're working on a re-order already, as we'll likely be out of stock again in the next couple of months. Re-orders take 90 days to make + another 30 days to ship, so we're not talking a snap of the fingers + new bags appear.
We'll also be delivering some freshness in colour, texture + shape very soon with the arrival in August of our Series 17 'Future Nostalgia'. The new tones of Ginger + Ganache were inspired by many moments in Italy last September, most notably the terrazzo corridors + outdoor cafes of Bologna + Milan.
June brings with it the end of a financial year in Australia. Also, end of season sales. It seems that brands are starting their ‘June sales’ earlier than June - indeed, earlier each year. A sign of the tough economic times no doubt, yet I do wonder where this will lead us - what value do we place on design + manufacturing, when stock is consistently marked down to untenable pricing, inconsistent with a sustainable business?
Sales used to be about moving aged or unsuccessful stock (aka, we loved it, you didn't) - now they're the standard way to do business. We are doing our best to limit sale activity, knowing a brand that relies on discounting doesn't stay in business for the long term.
Purpose, always
I believe that business should have a purpose + this purpose should be more than striving for profit. I surely would not still be building Sans Beast if profit was my only guiding principle. We're not a charity, so yes, profit does matter, but so does caring + giving back. As the world continues to feel dark, I plan on more words + actions, not less. Now is not a time for brands to simply 'stay in their lane'. The famous stoic words of Marcus Aurelius resonate - 'You can also commit injustice by doing nothing'.
We are all swimming in choppy waters in small + big business currently - undoubtedly these are trying times. Yet plenty in the world are suffering far more than our bottom line concerns. I'm proud of the fact that we donate 1% of our net revenue every month to Edgar's Mission, Sea Shepherd and the Bob Brown Foundation.
In a world of business behemoths, it may not be always easy to keep striving forward as an independent brand - yet, it's liberating to do so.
I'm grateful you're here. We feel every purchase, every comment + every metaphorical high five you send us.
With appreciation,
Cathryn 💋