hesa.design

hesa.design boasts a commendable social score, reflecting its strong commitment to ethical working conditions and fair wages. The brand’s products are handcrafted by Theresa in her own studio, utilising raw materials from Belgium and Germany — known for their strict labour laws — and Mexico, where the cactus leather brand Desserto implements a strict code of conduct. Furthermore, the brand’s cotton dust bags are handmade by a vocational training centre for people with disabilities in Germany.

hesa.design’s conscious ethos is rooted in its commitment to carefully selecting materials and production methods that favour environmental health. By selecting organic, vegetable-tanned leathers from Belgium and Germany dyed with natural substances like rhubarb, oak valonia cups, and tara, the brand guarantees its products are devoid of harmful chemicals. The brand strives to provide a vegan alternative, opting for Desserto cactus leather, a durable and vegan alternative to animal leather sourced from Mexican cactus plants. While primarily plant-based, it’s noteworthy that Desserto also contains synthetic elements to mimic the qualities of traditional leather.

The brand’s journey toward sustainability doesn’t stop at material selection. Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, hesa.design strives to minimise waste through every stage of production. This involves precise planning to reduce offcuts and creatively repurposing leather scraps into smaller items or intricate details, showcasing a dedication to reducing waste through thoughtful design.

hesa.design’s commitment extends to its packaging solutions, encouraging customers to return packaging that’s no longer needed. Licensed by RESY, the brand’s paper and cardboard packaging is not only recyclable but also proven to be recycled, ensuring a second life for these materials and further reducing waste.

hesa.design embodies circular fashion by minimising waste and fully utilising leather, valuing its natural lifecycle and transformation. The brand’s custom-made service invites clients to co-create unique, personal pieces, merging individual style with sustainability practices. This approach reduces overproduction and promotes long-term use, positioning hesa.design as a pioneer in sustainable, personalised fashion.

hesa.design sources high-quality materials from trusted German and Belgian suppliers, with leather tanning in Belgium and Germany, and Desserto cactus leather originating from Mexico. Theresa Föhrenbacher passionately handcrafts each product in the hesa.design atelier in Düsseldorf, prioritising fair labour practices and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand carefully selects small-scale suppliers for hardware to minimise waste.

hesa.design obtains its leather from two German and one Belgian suppliers. Both countries are renowned for their superior standards and comply with the European REACH regulations. While the Belgian leather is LWG Gold certified, the leather sourced from Germany is certified by IVN and biokreis, indicating it meets organic criteria. It’s noteworthy that according to the supplier, only approximately 6% of cattle in Germany are raised following organic farming practices.

hesa.design is exemplary for slow fashion, offering handcrafted, personalised and unique products made to last and become life companions. The brand’s focus on made-to-order models and exclusive, on-request production underlines its commitment to quality, uniqueness, and customer service. Furthermore, repairs are offered, which elongate each accessory’s lifecycle.

Theresa Föhrenbacher’s hands-on approach in the hesa.design atelier guarantees production transparency, from the choice of materials to the final finish given to each product. This open policy extends to customers seeking custom-made designs, ensuring a personalised and transparent journey from concept to creation. hesa.design champions and practices transparency, providing detailed information on leather certifications and a comprehensive list of suppliers to COSH!.