Natural Nuance

CIRCULAR DESIGN


The mission of Natural Nuance is to create a new perception of luxury based on a selective approach to natural materials, ethical production and true artisan work. Natural Nuance is proud to have signed the Global Fashion Agenda  Commitment for Circularity. 


What is a Circular Economy?

A circular economy lies on the principles of redefining growth. No longer relying on single-use plastics, toxic byproducts or fast fashion, the circular economy is founded on a transition to renewable energy sources and turning waste into value. It’s more about investing in high quality, well-crafted products that you love so much that you hold onto it and use it for years. Then at the end of its use, that product can be reused or converted into another resource. 

 


A Circular Economy: Capitalizing on the Principles of Reduction, Reuse and Recycling.

A circular economy capitalizes on the principles of reduction, reuse and recycling, making sure that material is brought back into the economic cycle at the end of of its lifecycle.


What does it mean to be a Circular Design Brand?

We believe that the future of fashion is circular. 
We should all aspire and work towards leaving a positive impact. That means redefining our production and consumption models to be focused on high quality, low-impact materials that only get better with age, like naturally tanned, high-quality leather bags.
Within the fashion industry, we have joined other spearheads in rethinking every step of the products’ lifecycle, from materials sourcing and manufacturing processes, to design and easy recycling and reuse methods. It's taking steps like these that a circular fashion brand seeks to redefine growth.

 

What makes Natural Nuance Circular?

Natural Nuance's design strategy for cyclability enables re-use, upcycling and recycling of each of our products once it has been used and loved by our customers long enough, and it's time to let go.

Our products are designed so that material types can easily be separated for recycling. For example, we design our products so that they can be constructed using generous, clear cuts. Only a few parts need to be cut upon for deconstructing, which enables us to keep the larger leather parts for reuse toward new products once the seams have been opened. This also allows us to keep the use of adhesive to the absolute minimum and we avoid using glue altogether on any larger areas, making it easier for us to separate and preserve the leather.

 As for the metal parts? We've designed it so they can be reused and are easy to remove, too. In fact, we're making the separation of the materials for recycling and reuse so easy that it will be possible for most anyone with some simple sewing knowledge to take everything apart for recycling!

 

Emphasizing Slow Fashion

We want our customers to appreciate and love the piece of artwork and craftsmanship that rests in their hands each time they hold a Natural Nuance bag or accessory. We also believe that artisan, well-crafted fashion accessories made of the highest quality materials should be designed and constructed to weather the years of loving use by each of our customers.

Beyond our timeless, versatile design and colours meant to withstand the test of passing trends and time, we also strive to elongate the life span of each of our products (clutches, handbags, shoppers). Each Natural Nuance item is optimally designed for functional durability and easy repair.

We pledge to responsibly reclaim previously used items, enabling our customers to purchase preloved items, repurposing the materials for new prototypes or eventually, reimagining them as second-generation products. This commitment ensures a sustainable cycle of reuse and transformation.

 

Our Materials

We exclusively use certified naturally tanned leather, outside and inside and do not work with leather that has been tanned using chrome.
 When we are sourcing our materials, we look at the following criteria: Low amount of pollutants, allergy friendly, short transport routes, social standards of producers, synthetical colors (if used) have no heavy metals. Individuality is a sign of leather quality. Therefore some leather skins will show the traces of the life of the animal. These traces are never sealed with plastic or synthetic material.
Leather is a natural material and it is our aim to celebrate its authenticity. This is a design choice that prolongs the life of our products.
 

 

Our Production

Each product is made by small European family enterprises with a long tradition of high end craftsmanship.
Our producers have a strict quality control system, reinforced by our own quality control. All our suppliers provide good social and health standards for their employees. We only accept the highest quality of production which in turn will lead to a longer usage of our products.