Ethical Designer Spotlight: Rachael Roberts from Borne Again

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Roberts, Creative Director of Borne Again, a company committed to recycling & re-use in fashion. 

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about how Borne Again was conceived?
Fashion has always been a passion of mine and after working for the textile recycling company Bag2School the managing director and myself decided to create a brand that didn’t compromise on style and quality but was also sustainable and environmentally friendly. Since then we have created a range using ‘shoddy’ recycled wool incorporating chunky knits in warm autumnal colours. 

Q. How would you describe Borne Again in 10 words or less?

Ethical Fashion, Innovative, Sustainable, Fashionable, Responsible.

Q. What are the keys factors that make Borne Again an ecologically responsible company?

Borne Again is committed not only to reducing the amount of textile waste ending up in landfill but also to working with  the charity The Funzi and Bodo Trust. We are passionate about our environment and are working towards creating a zero waste future.

Q. Borne Again is involved with both The Funzi and Bodo Trust, what does this encompass? 

The Funzi and Bodo Trust is based in the villages of Funzi and Bodo in Kenya. The trust began three years ago and in that time has opened two medical clinics, runs water and road ambulances, funds operations and offers health education. Borne Again will start selling products made in these villages with all of the money received going back into the community and to the producer.

Q. When it comes to fashion, who and what inspires you?

Brands like Jeager, Burberry and Barbour inspire me but also newer environmentally conscious designers like Izzy Lane.

Q. In your opinion, what is the most pressing environmental concern for the 21^st century?

In my opinion textile waste is one of the most pressing problems of the 21^st century, the fashion industry is one of the most damaging industries out there. Every year around eighty million garments are made worldwide, with the global population expanding as it is and natural wilderness decreasing our present rates of consumption are completely unsustainable. ‘Fast fashion’ is a huge problem and its about time people realise that. 

Q. What does the future hold for Borne Again?

We are currently looking at getting our range manufactured which would give us room for growth in the business. We also hope to work more with schools and colleges doing live projects to help show people exactly what you can do with unwanted garments and fabrics, and also to continue our work with charities. 

Also check out their Africa's Cool Bag Collection, which is attempting to tackle the issue of plastic waste in Africa!