bennettandbates
WHO ARE BENNETTANDBATES? Bennett and Bates is an exciting new ethical homewares brand started by two good friends, LARA BATES and LAURA BENNETT who met as students in London at Central St. Martins. They studied textile design together then Lara went on to work in interior design and Laura moved into retail textile design work. HOW THE STORY BEGAN…… Staying closely in touch after graduation it was soon clear that the girls’ shared love of woven textiles would need a creative outlet. Soon the embryo of a company was forming. The focus was to design and print their own fabrics and produce a beautiful collection of home textiles. Their unique designs evolved, each with its own story inspired by architectural as well as natural forms and shapes. PRODUCT RANGE The current products include table runners, napkins, cushions, placemats and tea towels. More products are already in the pipeline. The table runners and place mats are reversible so have dual use. All their products are made from high quality organic cotton, which can be both machine-washed and ironed at mid-high temperatures. INITIAL DESIGNS: THAKSIN and BONNEFOY Their striking and contemporary geometric, design THAKSIN is inspired by origami birds. Showing the versatility of these clever young designers their BONNEFOY range is in sharp yet complementary contrast. This range of beautiful florals is inspired by the delicate form and gentle pastels of the classic British hydrangea. KIND TO YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT All the fabrics are made from 100% organic cotton and dyed and screen-printed using non-toxic dyes and inks. They also choose to work only with companies who have a social responsibility and make a positive environmental impact. Even their packaging is made with recycled, sustainable or biodegradable materials BIG HEART But what makes this brand stand out from the crowd is its emphasis on ethical sourcing. During their years of studying both girls had become very aware of the high human cost to workers in underdeveloped countries of creating cheap textiles for the West. If they were going to start a textiles business they would get involved in the working conditions where their textiles would be made and the homewares produced. So all the products you see for sale are made and printed by a non-profit foundation in Jaipur where the pay, food and working conditions are fair and there are training, education and employment benefits. Additionally the support of people who want to continue developing their artisanal skills and craft is also immensely important to the bennettandbates brand.
