A fire hose is known for being a lifesaving tool in emergencies that have an average life span of 25 years but not all hoses make it to the 25-year mark as they have a defect and can no longer be used in service. In 2005 Kresse Wesling and her partner Elvis discovered damaged fire hoses are destined for a landfill as they’re made of industrial-strength material that takes a long time to completely degrade.
Elvis & Kesse turned one man’s waste into a renewable material for a business venture creating fashion accessories from damaged fire hoses. The partners had a life-changing encounter of chance in 2005 with the London Fire Brigade learning about the waste with damaged fire hoses and have since reclaimed over 300 tons of materials to create an array of durable accessories.
The process of creating these upcycled fashion accessories starts with collecting damaged fire hoses, cutting them, stitching pieces together, adding finishing embellishments, and it’s ready for sale. Creating accessories with fire hoses is more than a fashion statement but a piece of lifesaving history as all the damaged fire hoses have been used in action putting out fires.
The Elvis & Kesse brand contributes 50% of profits to support firefighters along with partnering with the Burberry Foundation in 2017 to combat the bigger problem of global leather waste. The partnership with Burberry will span over the following five years to recraft at least 120 tons worth of off-cuts from Burberry into new luxury products that will be designed and sold by Elvis & Kesse.
Elvis & Kesse offers men’s accessories, women’s accessories, and homeware that is made of reclaimed materials. This brand promotes ethical practices being a Certified B Corporation, Certified Social Enterprise Business For Good, and are a living wage employer. Would you buy a handbag or backpack made of durable upcycled materials from this British brand? Personally, I’m pretty interested and considering which style to get.