The Green Hermitage Story: From Leaves to Leather

What if we told you, there exists a way we can combine style, luxury, and sustainability all into one fashionable package?

Introducing Green Hermitage, a name synonymous with sustainable luxury in the world of fashion. As a 100% cruelty-free fashion house, they've set the standard for eco-conscious elegance. Green Hermitage has artfully crafted a range of sustainable leather bags that not only embody timeless style but also respect the environment. Their commitment to using better materials is a testament to their dedication to both you and the world. With each meticulously designed bag, Green Hermitage invites you to embrace a harmonious blend of fashion and sustainability, making a statement that resonates with both your values and your sense of style.

Green hermitage logo

Imagine purchasing an exquisite leather handbag from a well-known luxury brand. It looks amazing, but its impact on the environment is less glamorous than its appearance suggests. The high-end brand may have used leather that comes from resource-intensive, large-scale industrial farming, which often results in deforestation, habitat destruction, and high greenhouse gas emissions. The leather may have been tanned with toxic chemicals, contributing to water pollution and endangering aquatic ecosystems.

The product is packaged in elaborate, non-recyclable materials, further adding to the waste. The handbag's journey from the manufacturing facility to your doorstep likely involved extensive transportation, emitting carbon dioxide and contributing to climate change. The true cost of such high-end items extends beyond their price tag.

hand bag

The Birth of Green Hermitage: A Sustainable Fashion Journey

The idea behind the Green Hermitage brand, conceived by Ms. Gayatri Varun, Founder and CEO, is all about embracing sustainability in the world of fashion. She noticed that, throughout history, fashion has been a part of human life, but its impact on the planet has often been overlooked. Just like we're moving away from petrol and diesel cars for a more sustainable future, Ms Varun believes that fast fashion is the same for the fashion industry. We need to shift to 'slow fashion,' where we think about where our clothes come from and where they'll end up. Green Hermitage embodies this idea, connecting farmers in Kerala using coconut husk fiber to artisans making products with coconut leather, all the way to conscious consumers. It's a simple yet powerful concept that encourages all of us to think about the impact of our fashion choices.

Procurement: The Path to Transparency and Sustainability

Green Hermitage's procurement process underscores its core value of transparency, differentiating it from brands that may engage in greenwashing.

Approximately 80% to 85% of raw materials are sourced from diverse regions across India, including self-help groups run by women in Meghalaya, organic dye producers in Rajasthan, and coconut growers in Kerala.

Green Hermitage builds strong, sustainable relationships with its suppliers, going beyond transactional interactions to create a supportive ecosystem.

The brand is committed to localizing its supply chain and aims to achieve 100% sustainability, with only a few components being imported due to patent constraints.

Green Hermitage's approach prioritizes quality over scale, aligning with the values of a younger generation increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their consumption choices.

By offering sustainable, eco-friendly products, Green Hermitage contributes to the ongoing effort to repair and preserve the planet for future generations.

Green Hermitage's Design Philosophy

Green Hermitage's product line seamlessly combines minimalism and luxury, utilizing refined, structured silhouettes to highlight aesthetics and make a positive environmental contribution. This collection not only minimizes negative impacts but also provides a glimpse of how sustainability can be integrated into daily life.

Green Hermitage's design team is a remarkable assembly of talented and dedicated women, led by a visionary approach. Comprising NIFT graduates, these individuals are not just focused on fashion accessories; they're committed to sustainable design.

The difference in Green Hermitage's design philosophy lies in conscious creativity. While they analyze trends, forecast, and conduct in-depth research on a global scale, they are far from a conventional design brand. Their creations blend the quirky and classic, offering statement pieces that resonate with modern women.

Motivation runs deep within the team, stemming from the top. It's not about monetary rewards but the shared dedication to a greater cause. This collective spirit is what fuels their work every day. 

At the heart of Green Hermitage's work culture is a commitment to creating a positive and inspiring workplace. Founder and CEO Ms. Gayatri Varun ensures that her team finds joy and purpose in their daily tasks, drawing from her own experiences of contrasting workplace environments. She believes in maintaining a human connection, checking in on her team, and fostering an atmosphere of excitement and happiness. This ethos extends to the artisans, resulting in a joyful and collaborative atmosphere where humour and camaraderie thrive. Green Hermitage's success is not just in its products but in the positive and gratifying environment it has built.

Impactful Client Base: A Commitment to Sustainability and Change

Green Hermitage's client base is not just about fashion; it's about making a positive impact. With the brand aligning its operations with 11 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it reflects a sense of responsibility that resonates with today's conscious consumers. 

While India is slowly awakening to the importance of sustainability, it's clear that more action is needed to secure a better future for the next generation. Green Hermitage's founder and CEO recognized the potential for change within India and returned with a commitment to make a difference, emphasizing that India's culture and democratic values provide a fertile ground for progress. 

The brand believes in not only inspiring individuals but also in creating systemic change through policy and legal mandates. It's about everyone doing their part to address climate change and create a more sustainable future. With a personal commitment to this cause and a team dedicated to the brand's mission, Green Hermitage is moving in the right direction.

Three-Pronged Brand Approach: Sustainability at Its Heart

Green Hermitage's brand approach is a powerful trilogy, all centered around sustainability. 

The first prong is environmental sustainability, with a meticulous focus on every facet of the product's lifecycle – from material origins, water usage, waste management, recycling, to the end consumer experience. It involves a comprehensive checklist of environmental sustainability parameters.

The second approach centers on social impact, recognizing that sustainability isn't just about the natural ecosystem; it's about people too. Green Hermitage empowers small communities, women's self-help groups, and artisans from underprivileged backgrounds, primarily from Jharkhand and Bihar. By offering economic independence and consistent employment, the brand not only impacts livelihoods but also introduces these artisans to innovative, sustainable materials, thereby preparing them for future progress.

The third prong is consumer consciousness. Choosing sustainable products signifies a conscious decision to move away from traditional materials and prioritize cruelty-free, plant-based alternatives. This, in turn, supports and organizes the livelihoods of artisans, making it a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

Green Hermitage's approach is not just about fashion; it's a holistic commitment to preserving our environment, empowering communities, and offering conscious consumers a path towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Green Hermitage's Quest to Define Excellence in Handbags

Green Hermitage's current mission is to excel in its existing domain, becoming the go-to brand for statement handbags and travel pieces. The vision is simple: when people think about attending a party, heading to the office, going for a casual brunch, or embarking on a weekend trip, Green Hermitage should be the first name that comes to mind. The brand aims to master its craft within this segment, setting a standard for unmatched quality and design.

Although there is room for product line expansion, Green Hermitage remains steadfast in its commitment to handbags. The choice might have a humble origin in a close friendship, but it's what sets the brand apart. A decade ago, over coffee in a law school canteen, a friend's suggestion to start a handbags brand became the spark for Green Hermitage. With a shared eye for detail and a vision to create bags that reflected their own preferences, the dream lay dormant until 2022 when Green Hermitage was born. As the brand's website went live, that decade-old statement became a living reality, fulfilling the promise of handbags that truly stand out.

From The Founders Desk

Meet Gayatri Varun, the Founder & CEO of Green Hermitage. With over 8 years of experience in climate change and sustainable development, she's a passionate advocate for environmental causes. Gayatri's journey started with studying law and completing her MSc in Climate Change and Sustainable Development. She has worked tirelessly in the social impact sector, leading climate change campaigns all over India.

Her vision for Green Hermitage is clear: to promote conscious consumerism and minimalism through sustainable products. She believes in challenging the norm and building a system that aligns with her values. Gayatri encourages everyone to follow their entrepreneurial dreams, even when the going gets tough.

In her own words, she wants people to remember that as a founder, there will be ups and downs, but the journey is worth it. And she's a firm believer that collaboration and shared values can lead to powerful change. So, don't be afraid to join forces and create something meaningful together.

To learn more about The Green Hermitage's Story: From Leaves to Leather, visit their website: https://greenhermitage.com/

Also check out their social media handles:

Instagram- https://instagram.com/greenhermitage?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/greenhermitagelife?mibextid=ZbWKwL

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-hermitage/

Join the Green Hermitage Movement: Fashion with Purpose

Green Hermitage, led by the visionary Gayatri Varun, stands as a beacon of sustainability and conscious consumerism. With a commitment to environmental responsibility, social impact, and innovative design, Green Hermitage offers more than just handbags and travel pieces – it's a movement towards a better future.

By choosing Green Hermitage, you're not just investing in a product; you're joining a community that's passionate about making a difference. Every purchase supports sustainable practices, empowers artisans, and contributes to a more ethical and eco-conscious world.

Join Green Hermitage today and be a part of the change. Your choice matters, and together, we're redefining fashion with a purpose.

 

"From Leaves to Leather"

~Green Hermitage

 

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