Sustainability. It’s one of the most talked about topics in every facet of the consumer goods industry, but within the fashion industry in particular, it is a constant source of conversation. In the last few years, some brands have jumped on the bandwagon out of consumer pressure (and many were accused of greenwashing along the way), but Reformation’s entire brand ethos revolves around helping better our planet.
From the beginning, the brand’s mission has been to bring eco-friendly fashion to everyone while helping to pioneer sustainable business practices. In 2013, Reformation opened America’s first sustainable factory in downtown LA, and each year the brand furthers its commitment to sustainability and circularity.
Since 2017, the brand has made its progress public by releasing a quarterly Sustainability Report. While other companies are mainly profit-focused, reporting solely on their quarterly earnings, Reformation believes that companies should be accountable for more than just profits, which was the theory behind the report.
Made in LA
While Reformation started out by selling retailored and repurposed vintage, the brand quickly shifted to producing new collections made from low-impact materials such as rescued deadstock fabrics and the continued use of repurposed vintage clothing. In a move different from most brands these days, everything is designed and shipped in LA, and while some items are produced at sustainable partner factories around the world, many of the items Reformation sells are made at its LA headquarters.
An Expansion of Offerings
If you’ve ever glanced over a seasonal or holiday wishlist of mine, you’ve probably noticed they almost always include an item from Reformation. I have been shopping at the brand’s store in the Lower East Side of Manhattan long before I lived in the neighborhood, and now that I’ve called the LES home for 5 years, Reformation has and continues to be one of my go-tos (along with many vintage stores) for sustainable shopping as its offerings continue to expand,
In 2017, Reformation expanded into bridal and jeans, and then in 2019, the brand introduced its first line of sustainable footwear made with eco-friendly materials like jute and chrome-free leather. Activewear was launched shortly thereafter, and in 2023, Reformation has expanded into handbags. The first-ever line of sustainable handbags from Reformation is here, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Meet the Bags
With clean lines, and minimal branding, Ref’s handbags are meant to feel timeless, not overly trendy, with an added bonus: these handbags are all made following the same high sustainability standards as always. Ref Handbags launched with 3 silhouettes, each available in an array of sizes and colors.
For the big bag lovers, there’s The Vittoria, a roomy and relaxed silhouette that’s perfect for daily wear, and the largest size can even double as an overnight bag. The Rosetta is a cross between a shoulder bag and a hobo, available in a mini and a medium size, the medium is ideal for daily wear, and the mini will take you out to that trendy bar in town, but it will still easily fit your phone and a cardcase. Finally, The Chiara was designed with multi-use function in mind, meant to take you from day to night, work to play, and beyond. The Chiara is convertible, which is really cool, changing shape to appear more triangular when its drawstring is pulled tight. Also available in a mini size as well as a medium size, the Chiara in silver is my favorite of the bunch. Prices range from $248 to $698. Discover more now via Reformation.
Excited to check out this brand! Hyer Goods is another brand that is creating and selling bags and other accessories from dead stock leathers. I have purchased several of their bags and the quality far exceeds the price point.