Los Angeles, CA July 2014

LA-BASED DESIGN TEAM LAUNCHES REWILDER BRAND, CREATING 100% AMERICAN-MADE, ECO-CONSCIOUS PRODUCTS BORN FROM THE SIMPLE IDEA: DESIGN MORE, WASTE LESS.  

The first collection includes bags and totes made from repurposed beer filter cloth from large American breweries, originally used for filtering hops and barley during the manufacturing process. All of Rewilder’s principle materials were en route to the landfill before being transformed into highly crafted, distinctive accessories.

For reasons we are all hauntingly familiar with, Fashion Entrepreneur and handbag designer Lisa Siedlecki grew tired of countless trips overseas to large factories. She dreamed of a socially and environmentally responsible way of making, where her creative vision aligned with the process and end product. Bravely, Siedlecki quit her comfortable industry gig and teamed up with architect and material designer Jennifer Silbert to create Rewilder.

“In the future, we will all have to use our resources - things we make and raw materials - more responsibly. Rewilder is starting and leading now, by making thoughtful decisions in every step of the process,” says Siedlecki.

Rewilder’s materials come from different parts of America, but share a common story of prior use. “In the right hands, fashion can be both an object of beauty and a tool for positive change,” says Silbert. “Our unique design philosophies and backgrounds allow us to understand the material properties, taking used materials and making them new.”

The design of the collection is inspired by the material itself, drawing on its strengths (lightweight, durable, distinctive patina) to make utilitarian pieces that are thoughtful in purpose and design. The different patinas come from filtration of different beers – amber beer leaves a coppery tone, while dark beer leaves a silver-grey tone to the fabric. The handles are made from repurposed climbing rope discarded by local gyms and overdyed responsibly. Every bag is a limited edition and made-to-order in the company’s LA-based studio. No two are exactly alike.

“Rewilder’s mission extends beyond our studio walls. We want people to think about where materials come from, how they fit into our lives, and where they go in the future,” explains Siedlecki. 

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