Sometimes the best ideas strike when you least expect it. That was the case for Heather English, owner and designer of English Retreads, an eco-chic handbag and accessories company based in Boulder, Colorado.

“The inspiration for English Retreads came when Heather had a predicament; she was searching for a new vegan handbag that was stylish and eco-friendly—a lofty request at the time,” said Kate Salomon, English Retreads’ business manager. “While some people get their best ideas in the shower, Heather got hers while floating down Boulder Creek on an inner tube,” she said.

But English didn’t want to make just any kind of bag—she wanted to make one that used recycled materials.

“It occurred to me that this inner tube could be made into the handbag I’d been dreaming of,” English said.

That was eight years ago. Today, the company makes a plethora of bags, clutches, key rings, and wallets.

Since the bags are vegan, the company also follows an environmental stewardship practice.

“It is important for us to commit fully to being a socially and environmentally responsible company because we simply feel there is no other way to do it,” Salomon said. “We want to make sure we are providing a completely beneficial product so consumers can feel good about their purchases,” she said.

The production process of the bags sets the company apart from other handbag manufacturers.

“Because our material is repurposed, our production process is a bit different,” Salomon said. “We have to procure the used inner tubes from truck stops, clean it, and then cut it before making our handbags and accessories.”

English Retreads gets the inner tubes from local truck and bike shops.

“All of them are happy to save material for us to pick up and reuse. They often indicate that they feel proud of ‘helping out’ and ensuring that less waste is making it into our local landfills. Of course, a few homemade brownies or cookies can sweeten the deal too.” Salomon said.

The bags can be purchased in colors like Apple, Jet, Pumpkin, Quarry, and Scarlet.

One customer, Shannon, wrote on the company Web site that the Model T Luxe small bag was “one of the smartest handbags ever!” and added five reasons why she loved it, including it’s easy ability to be cleaned.

“I can toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty or when other women drool on it because it is so awesome. I usually wash [it] alone on the gentle cycle so I don’t snag any clothes or towels with the zipper,” she wrote.

The fashion following that English Retreads has experienced proves that one simple idea and the need for a chic, yet eco-conscious handbag can evolve into something bigger that bridges the gap between style and the environment.

Since English designed her first bag, Salomon said, “her designs have been classic enough so they never go out of style, yet funky enough to be eye catching,” showing that the company is saving the world of vegan bags, one recycled inner tube at a time.

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Tags: Fashion Inspiration, Fashion Not a Luxury, Travel