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.
How do you clean your vegan leather bags + wallets? Designing + manufacturing products to a high standard is our starting point but the other part of the puzzle is how they are cared for. How we use, clean + care for handbags has a considerable impact on how long they last. We’ve put together some simple information to ensure everyone can care for their prized Sans Beast treasures, and help them last for years to come. Read on for some tips + tricks to keep your beasts looking their best.
"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."
INSPIRATION: CONFESSIONS OF A (FORMERLY MISGUIDED) ANIMAL LOVER.
By Jennifer Wills
An open letter to animals, from our Sans Beast founder Cathryn Wills. She highlights the contradictions that exist in our attitudes to various species + includes lists of books + films to read/watch if you want to learn more.
INSPIRATION: SERIES 04 SHOOT, THE AFTERGLOW OF MUTINY.
By Cathryn Wills
Welcome to Series 04: The Afterglow of Mutiny. Read about our creative process, our collaborators + why mutiny made it into our vernacular this season. We shot this campaign in the depths of a Melbourne winter, yet somehow we got the glow going. As always, we're grateful to the collaborative crew who came together to work on this project with us. We always ask people to join the (vegan) revolution - and now more than ever, a bit of mutiny may be required.
CW has been in London + Europe for a few weeks, talking with inspiring people, getting the mood of retail + street style, seeking out plant based options along the road to share with the SB community back here in Melbourne + attending the Copenhagen Fashion Summit. Read her take on the Summit here.
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'.
IN CONVERSATION: VICTORIA FOX, FOUNDER OF MISS FOX.
By Cathryn Wills
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.
Last week Cathryn went to Shanghai, on the invitation of ActAsia, to participate in the Compassion in Fashion forum. ActAsia are a not for profit organisation who build + drive education programmes in China, with a focus on animal welfare + environmental responsibility. Read the overview of her talk, and some of the cross cultural challenges in discussing the Sans Beast ethos with new audiences.
After meeting Sydney based artist Alisha Rich, through IG (where so many creative convos start nowadays...), we commissioned two paintings to underpin the waterflow feeling of Series 04. We chatted about her practise, what it is about watercolour that resonates + why rebellion against the status quo is at the centre of her approach to creative living.
Creating a business with an ethical ethos is no easy task. We spoke with Amanda Walker, Co-Founder + Head of Operations at vegan fast food chain, Lord of the Fries, Anna Ross, Founder + Creative Director of ethical beauty brand Kester Black, and Gilat Shani, Designer + Co-Owner, Unreal Fur - about building a business with purpose, what collaboration looks like + how they remain focused + optimistic when challenges arise. This is Part 1 + next week for Part II, we'll talk with the fabulous founders of Ahimsa Collective, TWOOBS + No Saints shoes.
Happy 1st Birthday to us! A reflection on the year that was, as Sans Beast turns one. Read about our highs + lows - and ultimately, our happiness + gratitude, in arriving at our first birthday in one piece, ready to embrace what's next.
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.
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'.
How do you clean your vegan leather bags + wallets? Designing + manufacturing products to a high standard is our starting point but the other part of the puzzle is how they are cared for. How we use, clean + care for handbags has a considerable impact on how long they last. We’ve put together some simple information to ensure everyone can care for their prized Sans Beast treasures, and help them last for years to come. Read on for some tips + tricks to keep your beasts looking their best.
IN CONVERSATION: VICTORIA FOX, FOUNDER OF MISS FOX.
By Cathryn Wills
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 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."
Last week Cathryn went to Shanghai, on the invitation of ActAsia, to participate in the Compassion in Fashion forum. ActAsia are a not for profit organisation who build + drive education programmes in China, with a focus on animal welfare + environmental responsibility. Read the overview of her talk, and some of the cross cultural challenges in discussing the Sans Beast ethos with new audiences.
INSPIRATION: CONFESSIONS OF A (FORMERLY MISGUIDED) ANIMAL LOVER.
By Jennifer Wills
An open letter to animals, from our Sans Beast founder Cathryn Wills. She highlights the contradictions that exist in our attitudes to various species + includes lists of books + films to read/watch if you want to learn more.
After meeting Sydney based artist Alisha Rich, through IG (where so many creative convos start nowadays...), we commissioned two paintings to underpin the waterflow feeling of Series 04. We chatted about her practise, what it is about watercolour that resonates + why rebellion against the status quo is at the centre of her approach to creative living.
INSPIRATION: SERIES 04 SHOOT, THE AFTERGLOW OF MUTINY.
By Cathryn Wills
Welcome to Series 04: The Afterglow of Mutiny. Read about our creative process, our collaborators + why mutiny made it into our vernacular this season. We shot this campaign in the depths of a Melbourne winter, yet somehow we got the glow going. As always, we're grateful to the collaborative crew who came together to work on this project with us. We always ask people to join the (vegan) revolution - and now more than ever, a bit of mutiny may be required.
Creating a business with an ethical ethos is no easy task. We spoke with Amanda Walker, Co-Founder + Head of Operations at vegan fast food chain, Lord of the Fries, Anna Ross, Founder + Creative Director of ethical beauty brand Kester Black, and Gilat Shani, Designer + Co-Owner, Unreal Fur - about building a business with purpose, what collaboration looks like + how they remain focused + optimistic when challenges arise. This is Part 1 + next week for Part II, we'll talk with the fabulous founders of Ahimsa Collective, TWOOBS + No Saints shoes.
CW has been in London + Europe for a few weeks, talking with inspiring people, getting the mood of retail + street style, seeking out plant based options along the road to share with the SB community back here in Melbourne + attending the Copenhagen Fashion Summit. Read her take on the Summit here.
Happy 1st Birthday to us! A reflection on the year that was, as Sans Beast turns one. Read about our highs + lows - and ultimately, our happiness + gratitude, in arriving at our first birthday in one piece, ready to embrace what's next.