There’s an increasing focus on sustainability in the fashion world as of late (with good reason), with more and more designers using their power for the greater good. Loewe is the latest brand to get involved with the launch of its latest environmentally friendly-driven range dubbed The Surplus Project.
While the fashion house might be known for its premium leather goods, it goes without saying that the production of such pieces can result in plenty of surplus material that often goes to waste. Now Jonathan Anderson is ensuring his excess leather finds new life by putting them into a new range of handbags that are sustainably-minded and blend the classic and soft-grained calfskin leathers together into their now signature basket silhouette – a classic piece for the label.
First appearing back in SS15 for the designer’s first-ever runway for the brand, the latest initiative comes in three iterations, including a colourful design and monochromatic brown and blue versions. Available in a small size and carrying the original spirit of being an artisanal piece with a very human touch, The Surplus Project is inspired by the challenge of creating something beautiful whilst preserving precious resources. A two-tone charm in the shape of a crab with claws and pincers made from intricately folded surplus leather, complements the Woven basket bag’s colourways and embodies the creativity inherent to the new initiative.
While Anderson’s commentary around sustainability at Loewe is light on the ground until now, the designer has spoken about the need for fashion's progression in this arena. Speaking at the Hyères fashion festival in late 2020, she explained: "We don't need a trend forecast to say that the environment, craft, sustainability and community are becoming some of the biggest [topics]."
"We, as a fashion community, have to work together. This is the key. If we do, we will find solutions. What was nice today was to look at younger people looking at tangible solutions—community making, working in different countries and being able to support different economies. There seems to be a grassroots movement moving at a very fast pace."
We couldn’t agree more.
