The LaBante Blog

Economic Stakeholders: The global leather industry is worth billions, and there’s an understandable incentive for those invested in it to protect their market share. By framing vegan leather as inferior or environmentally unfriendly, traditional leather producers attempt to sway public opinion and maintain consumer loyalty.

As the sustainability conversation in fashion has taken over recent discourse, the topic of greenwashing continues to come up. Greenwashing – a deception meant to make a company's practices seem more eco-conscious than they are – is becoming an industry buzzword as companies scramble to look like they're doing the right thing. Sustainability claims have become a selling point for companies – from being a niche, “hippie” pursuit, caring about the Earth is now cool, and some brands are taking advantage of this mindset shift.

Many cultures celebrate the coming of spring and the renewal of life at Easter. It is a vibrant time of year for nature, so by being mindful of our environmental impact, we can enjoy the festivities while caring for our planet.

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the love and care our mothers and mother figures have given us throughout our lives. It is the perfect day to treat them with gifts, meals and events, so we have collated a few tips on how to have the best sustainable mothers day! 

St. Patrick's Day is a time of celebration, but it's also an opportunity to reflect on our environmental impact. As we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, it's essential to remember our commitment to being more sustainable.

 

The LaBante x Iris Collection is a collaboration created for people who love art and everything it stands for. Iris Scott is an artist based in the US and has inspired this collection for LaBante, which features a range of unique and vibrant bag designs using Scott's signature style of finger painting impressionism. By merging her paintings onto the straps, each bag is transformed into sculptures of wearable art.

Circular fashion describes clothing and accessories manufactured in ethical working conditions, using ethically sourced and sustainable materials. These items can be reused or recycled at the end of their life and thus never create additional waste. 

When it comes to living and dressing sustainably, the term ‘circular’ has become one of the most popular concepts amongst consumers and fashion brands.

Fashion brands such as Nike and Ganni are signatories to the Global Fashion Agenda’s 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment, a company-wide pledge to end linear fashion.

So, what is circular fashion?

To explain it simply: circular fashion –– a term first coined in 2014 by Anna Brismar –– can be best described as clothes, shoes or accessories that are specifically designed, sourced, produced and provided with the intention of being used and circulated responsibly and effectively in society for as long as possible in their most valuable form, and then returned safely to the biosphere when no longer of human use. 

In other words, think of it like the Circle of Life –– but for fashion.

How does it compare to linear fashion?

At this moment, a majority of the fashion industry is linear. To be linear means that a consumer will buy a shirt and when the shirt no longer serves a purpose, the consumer will either throw it away, donate it, which usually results to it ending up in a landfill.

True to its name, circular fashion focuses on making a circle with consumer purchases and avoiding the need to create new materials, new garments, but instead using what is already circulating out there.

What does LaBante have to do with Circular Fashion?   

Sustainability has always been at the core of LaBante’s brand identity. LaBante’s product manufacturing is a circular usage process, with the intention of minimizing waste through the process.

To further aid in the circularity of their products, all of LaBante’s bags are biodegradable, and the metal fastenings on the bags can be recycled.

LaBante practices what they preach when it comes to circularity in fashion. 

Welcome to LaBante London!

LaBante was founded by Vanita Badlani in 2009 to create sustainable luxury accessories, which at the time, were in short supply. The passion project hoped to provide vegan goods for people wanting to be more sustainable but not wanting to sacrifice their style.

“I believed there was a gap in the fashion industry to make high-quality products that were not only beautiful and vied for, but were also cruelty-free and sustainable at the same time being accessible,” Vanita says about why LaBante was created.

LaBante comes from Sanskrit, and it means ‘to truly achieve', which implies that it is more important to give back to the planet than to take from it. And we believe that we have given back to the planet through LaBante’s extensive product range.

All of LaBante’s products are entirely vegan and cruelty-free, as we don't believe animals should play a part in our fashion choices. We take great pride in the sustainability of our products. With so much waste produced by fast fashion companies, we wanted to create products with the least damage to the environment as possible –– and we have achieved this.

As a socially cognizant brand, we donate at least 10% of our profits to charities at the end of the year. In addition, we plant ten trees for every item sold, which essentially makes the purchase carbon-negative for our customers. Sustainability is at the core of LaBante’s brand identity.

As a vegan and cruelty-free brand, we take great care in sourcing the types of materials we use to create our luxury accessories. We have always used the finest quality vegan materials. 

Currently, all of LaBante’s handbags are made from vegetable-based leather and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. We don’t use PVC in any of our items — we are pledged PVC free! 

The linings of LaBante’s handbags are made from recycled plastic bottles that are salvaged from landfills, broken down into pellets, and then converted into the material. To aid in the circularity of our products, all of the bags can biodegrade, and the metal fastenings on the bags can be recycled.

Recently, LaBante invested in an exciting new sustainable material sourced from Tyrol, Italy, for a unisex line of apple leather shoes. The soles are made from pure rubber, the laces are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the upper part of the shoe is made from apple leather. 

To ensure the entire product range is zero-waste, the packaging is fully compostable from the box, to the dust bag, and virgin plastic packaging is not used. What's even more exciting? We recently put into production new swing tags that can be planted to grow mint! 

We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions at all about Labante please contact us here: press@labante.co.uk

 

By Ellie Peach

 

If you want to find something new to add to your collection of summer outfits this year, we've got you! From bags to headscarves, here are four trendy essentials you need to add to your capsule wardrobe.

 

1. Crochet pieces

Having a crocheted piece is a priority for your wardrobe this summer, they can be so cute while also offering adequate coverage as the evenings cool down. They are also ideal for taking with you for picnic dates or to a beer garden with friends. 

Crocheted pieces are another way to add another textile to your outfit and give it more dimension. Whether that is laying it over a different skirt or wearing it over your bikini on a beach day, there is so much versatility you can't really go wrong. 

Oversized cardigan and mini skirt styles are our favourites; complemented with colourful patterning or block colours, you will have the perfect statement piece this summer. Another way we have seen crochet becoming popular is through bralette tops. These are another fantastic piece to keep in, and there are many small businesses to support making beautiful designs. Have a look on Etsy before shopping at larger retailers.

You could also make one yourself! Crochet is a very accessible hobby, and learning can be quick and easy with the help of online tutorial videos. Simply search for a DIY of what you want to make, and there will be a video to help you!

2. Crossbody bags and baguette bags

Crossbody and baguette bags are a must when it comes to summer. They can be worn multiple ways, and they hold only the essentials. They are a great way to add a little extra fun to your outfit without getting in the way. Choosing one in a colour that compliments you will ensure you get the best usage out of it, and choosing one with sustainability at its core is even better! LaBante London has a wide range of crossbody bags to choose from. The Bella bag in mustard or white has a very summery feel to pair well with your maxi dresses, or the Raven bag in green offers a thinner shape that would complement a blazer and skirt look. 

Keep your eye out for our new collection of vegan baguette bags dropping soon on our website!

3. Headscarves

If you plan on channelling a vacation in Italy - whether you're actually going to Italy or not - you need to buy a few headscarves. They can add so much to a plain outfit and generally are versatile enough to be worn in multiple ways, such as tops, scarves or sarongs! 

The outfits you can wear a headscarf with really have no bounds. Wearing it with a long silk dress on the beach will give you an old-money style aesthetic while wearing it with mom jeans and a cami top overlaid with an oversized shirt would give you 'the girl next door of your dreams look.' Whatever your style, Choosing headscarves in bright, bold patterning will make them stand out and add a little extra fun. Try pairing your outfits with different colour headscarves to see what fits you best, and you will almost definitely fall in love with them. 

We love Cath Kidston head scarves, they have intricate patterning and pretty colours. Check out the designs here;

4. Platform Sandals and Sneakers

You only really need to take two pairs of shoes with you on holiday and what's more essential than a pair of comfortable sneakers and platform sandals? The sneakers are great because you can walk around in them if you are having a day exploring an area or just mooching about. They are also so easy to pair with any outfit due to their simplicity as a staple outfit piece. They look just as perfect with jeans or shorts as they do with a dress or skirt. 

LaBante has a new range of vegan apple leather sneakers that come in nude, white or black; take a look here;

Going from flip flops to platform sandals seems like a big jump, but this switch can be a fun way to upgrade your summary fits this year! They can be your statement shoes that go with your dressed up outfits for things like dinners and drinks, but they also go perfectly for casual occasions like a beach day or lazing by the pool. The critical thing is finding a pair that fits you well to ensure they are just as comfortable as your old flip flops! we love these Melissa sandals from Lazy Oaf. 

There are so many styles of platform sandals to choose from, such as a higher or chunkier heel, for example! 

By Ellie Peach

What is reversible fashion?

A reversible piece is something that can be worn two ways. You usually just have to pop it inside out, and you'll be wearing a totally different garment. They are so great to own as having the option of two pieces you love in one has so many benefits;

• Particularly when packing, reversible pieces will help you save on luggage space. Thus, you will have less weight to carry and more room dedicated to bringing back souvenirs from your holiday! Alternatively, if you are packing an overnight bag for your partner's or a friend's house, the less clothing to haul around, the better! 

• You will save tons of room in your wardrobe. With the amounts of microtrends we are seeing now every year, almost all of us are buying new clothes we simply don't need or will only wear a few times. Buying reversible clothing will save this space, and having pieces in colours and styles you consistently buy will ensure these pieces become a staple rather than something you struggle to style outside of the trend cycle.

• The ability to change during the day cannot be emphasised enough. I'm sure we've all been in a situation where the day gets away from us, and you find yourself in a setting you didn't expect to be in. For instance, going from the office to a bar. The change from business to chic or casual to fun can be effortless. With the unpredictability of life, it is so handy to be able to change your outfit without rushing home in a panic. Reversible clothing will be invaluable in this respect.

• To build up your capsule wardrobe! This is effectively trying to have as little items as possible that make up multiple outfits. Say 3 to four of each type of garment, that can all be paired together for different occasions or weather. This may include;

-one or two skirts, 

-two pairs of jeans, 

-Three of your most versatile tops,

-Three types of jackets for different weather,

-Three bags 

-And your favourite staple accessories such as sunglasses, jewellery and scarves etc. 

These pieces should all follow a similar colourway so that they can all be worn in different ways together and pair perfectly. A reversible piece thrown in the mix will add more colour options or styles without taking up more room!

• Being sustainable is another way reversible garments come in handy. This is because the item (a skirt, top or jacket, for example) can effectively double as two pieces of clothing. Thus you will have to buy less, reducing the amount of waste you produce! 

What's even more key is that the clothing needs to be good quality to be effective as a reversible garment, so you will be investing in a product that will last a long time, promoting slow fashion.

 

Reversible clothing is a fun and easy way to level up your wardrobe, but where can you find them?

Here are 4 Fashion brands you can buy reversible pieces from.

1. Isabel Mans - A sustainable womenswear brand with a stunning collection of reversible pieces ranging from evening wear to summer dresses. The pieces are generally one side of beautiful print and the other an elegant single colour, enabling you to mix and match depending on your mood! 

We love this Alice silk satin dress in Emerald/ forest green for summer!

https://isabelmanns.com/collections/reversible 

2. Seams friendly - The eco-friendly brand offers locally sourced, affordable clothing and their reversible range include blouses and different styles of jackets for any occasion. This quilted cotton jacket really caught my eye as it is lightweight enough to work as an everyday jacket and comes with a detachable hood if the weather takes a turn for the worst!

https://seamsfriendly.com/search?q=reversible type=product 

 

3. Sunday London - The virtually zero waste store offers a stunning range of reversible swimwear. Their brand stands for body positivity, and their collection features bright and fun patterning and colourful styles. The Jade reversible Bikini is my absolute favourite. Its bold colours are cute while still flattering any body type.

https://www.sundaylondon.com/search?q=reversible 

4. Vivai - Is a sustainable footwear and accessories brand that uses recycled plastic bottles to make up most of their products. They offer a beautiful collection of reversible tote bags 'Zaneta' using this same material.           
 https://www.vivaiacollection.com/

 

You should also always check secondhand platforms such as Vinted or Depop first for reversible clothing more to your taste or budget. You'll be able to find hundreds of reversible styles that are right for you while being more environmentally  conscious. Alternatively, you could start sewing! This and buying second-hand is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint. There are many tutorials online for sewing reversible pieces such as skirts and tops that are very beginner-friendly. What's perfect is that you have complete creative control to make it your dream reversible garment without sacrificing particular aspects!

Ultimately reversible garments are a great way to up your sustainable fashion game. They can be helpful for people wanting a smaller capsule wardrobe or those wanting the choice to change outfits during their day as they please. So why not explore the style and see if you love it!

By Ellie Peach

Why did earth day start?

Since 1970, Earth day has been held on April 22nd each year. It was initially created by Senator Gaylord Nelson in the United States; during this time, there was no clean air or water act and no legal framework to protect the planet from our harmful manufacturing and other processes. He recognised with other constituents that this needed to be addressed and created this dedicated day to bring awareness to the issues starting to arise.

What should you do this earth day?

Turn off lights and reduce heating- Try and use natural lighting as much as possible to save energy and reduce heating in your homes. You might find that you don't need to use these things as much as you already do, and this day might spur on habit change that will benefit the planet and your bank account!

Repurpose old items - Perhaps you could take some time today to sort out some old things and think up ways you could reuse or repurpose them into something else. This might be taking an old piece of furniture you have stuck in your attic or garage and deciding to turn it into something new. An old dressing table could become a new bookshelf, or an old bed frame could become a garden chair! The possibilities are endless. Repurposing is a great way to give old unloved items a new life while sustaining the materials you already have. This reduces the need to buy raw materials and is therefore very environmentally friendly. 

Meat-free- Earth day is a great day to try a veggie or vegan diet. Cut out all meat and/or animal products from your day and see if you like it. You never know, it might inspire a new era of healthy living for yourself! Meat and animal products use a lot of water and nutrients to produce; this, along with the transportation emissions and the way animals are often treated in captivity, are all huge reasons to give it up.

Clean up - If you want to go that extra mile this Earth day, a great activity to organise for yourself, friends, family, schools, and even the community is a street/beach clean up. Clean up your local area from pollution and actively recycle as you go. This will help get more people aware of the issue and may even go as far as to prevent people in the future from littering.

Support a small sustainable business- Earth day is an important day to show your appreciation for the smaller shops you love, doing as much as possible to be sustainable. Promote them on social media and rave about them to your friends because the more people supporting sustainable fashion, the less need for sweatshops, animals bred for their hide and un-recyclable plastics in fabric etc.

Fundraise for charities- Another fantastic way to involve the community in Earth day is by organising a fundraising event for a chosen environmental charity. For example, this could be a vegan bake sale, a sponsored fun run or activity, or even a car wash. 

Charities to support

WWF - worldwide fund is a non-profit organisation that aims to help endangered species all around the planet. They also support areas facing extreme climate change and address global environmental threats.

https://support.wwf.org.uk/donate-to-wwf 

Rainforest trust- A non-profit organisation. Their aim is to protect threatened rainforest areas worldwide and protect endangered wildlife. 

https://www.rainforesttrust.org/fighting-climate-change/ 

The wetlands initiative- Is a non-profit conservation organisation based in Illinois that works to restore wetlands in the US. These areas have a considerable impact on our environment as they produce cleaner water, act as a buffer to prevent flooding events, and have a significant effect on cooling down the planet.

http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/donate  

Ocean conservancy - A non-governmental organisation that takes action to tackle issues threatening the ocean, primarily ocean pollution and sustainable fishing. They have organised tens of thousands of beach clean-ups around the world. 

https://oceanconservancy.org/ 

Fashion revolution- a non-profit that aims to change the fashion industry into being as sustainable and ethical as possible. Human exploitation for fast fashion, eradicating throwaway culture and conservation of resources are among their primary goals.

https://www.fashionrevolution.org/donate/