Elvis & Kresse describe themselves as environmental designers and make accessories from reclaimed materials. The weekend bag, iPad cover and wallet shown here are made from used fire hoses rescued from landfill to make stylish and durable items. Fifty percent of the profits from these products go to the Fire Fighters Charity, or to charities related to the materials they use, including WWF, Help for Heroes and Comic Relief. This is a business with its ethos firmly based on sustainable and ethical production.
I found the fire hose material very robust, yet reasonably flexible. It's an attractive textured, brick red colour and, marked from years of use, carries its history handsomely and proudly.
Recycled materials are used throughout. The iPad case (£70) and weekend bag (£299) came wrapped in protective covers of recycled parachute silk. The weekend bag is lined with old tablecloths of the type used at wedding receptions, while parachute silk and reclaimed closed-cell foam lines the technology case.
The wallets (£75) are also parachute silk lined. Everything is beautifully-made and should last for years. Elvis & Kresse make many other items, including notebooks, cuff links, travel and wash bags - accessories for both men and women.
To find out more and to buy their products, go to Elvis & Kresse. An exclusive 15% discount is offered to Grey Fox Blog readers (valid until the end of April 2015) using the code greyfox .
