Sustainability has long been the centre of debate in the fashion industry, and because of this more and more conscious fashion brands are coming out of the woodwork. Just a few months ago, Lane Crawford launched Anya Hindmarch's new handbags made from plastic bottles; and for August, Joyce is showcasing eco-conscious brands who uses surplus fabrics, overstock and repurposed last season pieces as raw materials to create new fashionable products.
This season, French fashion brand Agnès b is also doing their bit to become a greener a company by spotlighting sustainable production through a series of upcycled tote bags created by assembling unused airbags and seatbelts from discarded cars. Available in black, white, and olive green ($690), each bag carries unique folds and creases created from different vehicles, so most likely no bag is the same. The bags are roomy and simple enough to be paired in any regular day wear.
White, and olive green tote bags ($690)
Aside from the bags, Agnès b is also upcycling vinyl lightboxes into a series of card cases, repurposing discarded materials into everyday fashionable items.
Upcycled card cases
The brand has always been committed to applying eco-friendly business practices within the company, from reducing the company's greenhouse gas emissions by maximising local production in France and Europe, to reducing the use of chemical substances in production that negatively impacts human health and the environment. Aside from internal green practices, since 2003, Agnès started funding the Tara Ocean Foundation, an organisation studying the impacts of climate change on the world’s oceans.
These upcycled products are now available in all Agnès b stores in the city. For updates and more information follow them on Facebook and Instagram.