While fast fashion was taking over the world a few years ago, today it’s all about slow fashion, products that are created with care and respect for the environment, and that are made by people who work in safe conditions.
“Even though fashion trends change rapidly, customers are increasingly conscious of how their products are made,” says Vanessa Eldridge, owner & director of handbags and accessories brand, b.sirius.
“People love to know the story behind their products and astute buyers are seeking more than a product―they’re seeking a tale behind their purchase that they can share with their friends.
“They want to not only look good but feel good about what they are wearing and know how their purchasing decision impacts our world.”
Eldridge explains that b.sirius has always been conscious to carefully design and construct bags and accessories that are not only practical and functional but also meet a woman’s every day needs, look beautiful and make her feel special using them. They are strong and resilient and suit a myriad of purposes.
“It’s important to me that our products are both useful and beautiful. That will never change for b.sirius. As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of what is impacting the market but more important to hold true to our values.”
These values also include caring about our environment and our animals and as such, b.sirius only uses vegan materials. Durable canvases and denims are screen-printed to the highest quality and used in conjunction with other animal friendly materials.
“Not only are we absolutely committed to ensure that our products are made from ethical materials, but we ensure that the people who lovingly make our products work in an environment that also meets our high standards.
“We only ever produce enough product for what we need for the season and if there does happen to be any fabric left over, we use it to make up other unique items in smaller runs. Born out of a desire for creating special Australian inspired pieces that are fashionable and long-lasting, our products are designed to be long lasting, rather than fast fashion pieces.”
This includes the brand’s reusable shopper bags, which were made from some fabrics sitting in storage from previous seasons. Inspired by the need to reduce waste, Eldridge says the recent plastic bag free shopping has been the single most significant innovation in the Australian community in years.
“Personally, my family has been doing it for years, but policy is needed to support all of us to make a real difference. Reducing plastic is only a small step, but a significant first step.”
b.sirius is known for its unique, screenprinted fabrics which are combined with a range of vegan leathers to create bags and accessories in a variety of shapes and styles. Fabric designs are based on nature’s own shapes and colours.
Designs are updated with every collection to meet the demands of our ever changing world. Eldridge adds that customer feedback is extremely important and collections are often inspired by their suggestions.
“With inspiration drawn from our abundant earth, our textile design company uses nature’s organic colours, forms, shapes, feel and figures. Whenever I’m out and about, I’m constantly taking photos and writing notes about images that draw my attention―anything from a leaf on the ground, a tiny insect or bird all inspire our designs. Every collection is themed around nature and our environment.”
b.sirius products are not just to be enjoyed by the Australian consumer, with the brand aiming to expand its market share in the US.
“Although we already have a developing international presence, we want to see b.sirius expand into the US market to showcase our unique products across the globe; in particular to stage our beautiful Australian designed collections to a wider audience.
“While our current spring season 2018/19 collection Taking Flight is keeping us busy right now, our autumn winter 2019 collection will include some favourite shapes plus have been broadened to include nappy bags and a wider range of cosmetic and travel bags. The autumn winter collection is due for release in stores and online in February 2019.
“We also have an exciting new website launching in January 2019 which will create an even easier shopping experience for our wholesalers and retailers,” Eldridge adds.
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