Our collection ‘Recollection’ is a celebration of 20 years of reducing waste in a colourful way: 20 years of SUSAN BIJL. This year we are be looking back at milestones that mark important events and developments during those years.
Some years passed after our success in the 00s. Focus switched between many different projects.
A third child, Jan, was born. In 2012 we sat down to rethink SUSAN BIJL. When you name your company after yourself, it is sometimes difficult to see yourself separated from your work. To move forward and rethink what we had been doing the past 12 years, we had to approach SUSAN BIJL more as a brand than only a person.
The result of this rethinking is still at the core of our brand. We wanted to create well designed, colourful, sustainable items for daily use. Easy in use, but very elaborate in its design. These requirements led to the introduction of The New Pouch in 2013.
On our quest to reduce waste and take responsibility for our planet, we decided to stop working with leather. Leather is not only harmful to animals but also needs a massive amount of chemicals before the fashion industry can use it. Instead, we wanted to focus solely on ripstop nylon. It’s very strong, lightweight, easy-in-use and of a coherent quality. With this fabric, we can create items you can use and repair over and over.
Photo above: Ruud Baan – styling: Isis Vaandrager – model: Aruna
Photo left: model – Vince