Stella Soomlais’ conscious and sustainable use of materials

Estonian leather designer Stella Soomlais’ bags are crafted to maximise the use of materials. The larger cutting leftovers are used for creating smaller accessories (purses, wristbands and keychains), and the really tiny bits and pieces gain a new life in our own workshops or are given away as charity to craft clubs. At the moment they produce 2-4% material leftover, with the industry average being 20-25%.

Round 2

The bag designs follow a sustainable design concept Round 2, that the brand has developed in-house. Within the cutting patterns, a number of smaller product patterns have been fitted, so that the original product can be redesigned into. Therefore there are no visible decorative details on Stella Soomlais’ products since it enables them to reuse the material to the maximum. You can return the bag to Stella Soomlais if the bag gets spoiled or there’s no use for it anymore, and get credit for your next purchase.

Repair and rent

In addition to cleaning and applying moisturising and protective cream to clients’ bags, Stella Soomlais’ care & repair service also replaces any details that are worn out or broken. There is also a rent-a-bag service, which is a great way to try out and get the feeling of the bag before buying it. The rental price will be deducted from the bag price if the client decides to buy or order the same model.

Stella Soomlais wearing her designs.

2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment

At Copenhagen Fashion Summit 2017, Global Fashion Agenda called on fashion brands and retailers to sign a 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment to accelerate the transition to a circular fashion system. Stella Soomlais joined in with the following targets:

  • Action point 1: Implementing design strategies for cyclability. By 2020, circular design principles will be applied to 100% of the brand’s leather bags in order to remanufacture them after their first life.
  • Action point 2: Increasing the volume of used garments collected. By 2020, Stella Soomlais will implement a garment collection scheme for used leather bags in their retail stores and online.

Awards

2020 Estonian Responsible Business Index Gold level
2020 Estonian Responsible Entrepreneurship Forum, special award for social entrepreneurship
2019 Estonian Responsible Business Index Silver level
2018 Estonian Responsible Business Index Bronze Level

More info: stellasoomlais.com

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Article source: stellasoomlais.comlooveesti.eeekja.ee

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