Behind the Brand: BEDI
It's the height of winter, so outerwear is high on the agenda – and in many parts of the world, that means robust, durable coats and jackets. Holding their own in any weather conditions, the cruelty-free creations made by Inder Bedi and his Canadian brand BEDI are the answer to all our prayers: stylish, resistant, and sustainably made.
And it's no wonder, as founder Inder Bedi has extensive experience in the sustainable fashion industry. "Before starting BEDI, my background was rooted in sustainable fashion," he recounts. "I first ventured into the industry in 1995 with the launch of Matt & Nat, a brand I founded while I was an undergrad. Matt & Nat became a worldwide leader in vegan leather fashion, and it was through that venture that I first explored the intersection of fashion and sustainability."
After the success of Matt & Nat, Inder distanced himself from fashion – for a while. "In 2013, after nearly two decades with Matt & Nat, I decided to step away from the fashion industry to reflect and reset. I wanted to better understand the environmental impact of design and rethink how fashion could be a force for good in combating climate change and pollution." Sustainability was still close to Inder's heart, and after decades of accessories, he took the step towards including apparel. "My work at Matt & Nat, coupled with a desire to find more sustainable material solutions, ultimately led me to start BEDI in 2019 – a new venture focused on upcycling materials and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable design."
At the heart of this new venture was material innovation: "I researched alternatives to virgin materials and explored the potential of upcycled materials. My passion for sustainability was reignited when I discovered the possibilities of using landfill and ocean waste, particularly through materials like ECONYL® (regenerated nylon made from ocean plastic and fishing nets) and seat belts from local scrapyards."
Among the materials that feature in BEDI's range are salvaged seat belts and up cycled airline seats – and that is part of Inder's vision of circular fashion. "The brand’s ethos revolves around the concept of circularity, where “everything new will come from something old.” From the very first collection, which used retired airline seats and upcycled seat belts, we’ve continued to push forward with innovative, sustainable practices, making a significant impact in the fashion industry." But it's also this dedication to using what's already there that has proved challenging to the brand. "One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been sourcing high-quality upcycled materials at scale while staying true to our sustainability standards. Sometimes people think upcycling is easy, because the materials already exist! The reality is that materials like retired airline seats and salvaged seatbelts require an incredibly labour-intensive process – cleaning, sorting, and preparing them for production is no small endeavour. Our commitment to reducing pre-consumer waste adds a further level of complication – we plan our cuts carefully to ensure we use as much of our material as possible. While this takes time, it’s ultimately worth it."
How do Inder and his team solve these challenges? By teaming up with the best in the business. "By partnering with local artisans and sustainable material innovators, we developed systems that made these processes more efficient while maintaining the integrity of our materials. It’s this collaborative approach that allows us to create pieces that are not only sustainable but also durable and timeless—designed to stand the test of time in both form and function."
And BEDI's customers flock to the brand for its innovation and attention to material. Inder has a clear vision of his brand's customer: "The ideal BEDI customer is someone who values both design and intention. They appreciate elevated, utilitarian pieces that blend form and function, but they’re equally conscious of their choices. They care deeply about the story and ethics behind their products—how they’re made, who makes them, and the materials we use. Above all, they’re thoughtful consumers who understand the impact of investing in timeless, durable pieces that contribute to a more sustainable future."
And finally, what does a day in Inder's life look like? "I’m up around 6 a.m. most mornings, and I like to begin the day with meditation. Afterward, I’ll check my emails over a vegan smoothie—usually a mix of berries, vegan protein powder, and a dash of turmeric. Mornings are often spent with our incredible makers, the sewers who bring our coats to life here in Montreal. I’ll also pick up newly finished coats and bring them to the store, ensuring everything is organised and ready for our customers. By late morning, I’ll stop by Café Alphabet for a coffee with oat milk—a little ritual that keeps me grounded—before heading to our studio. Our office is conveniently located behind the store in the vibrant Mile End neighborhood. The work varies: packing orders for our amazing customers, responding to emails, coordinating with suppliers, and planning for upcoming seasons. Once the store opens, I’m front and center. I love connecting with our community and helping people find their perfect BEDI piece. Those interactions remind me why we do what we do—they’re the heart of our brand. After the store closes, I often head to a kickboxing class. It’s a great way to clear the mind, stay strong, and recharge. Evenings are either quiet and restorative at home or filled with laughter and good food at a local restaurant. One favorite is TULA, a vegan Indian spot near the store with a unique plant-based offering.
The days are full, but every step feels purposeful. I’m fortunate to work alongside an inspiring team, connect with our community, and contribute to a vision of fashion that aligns with our values."
By Sascha Camilli
About Sascha
Sascha Camilli is a vegan writer, speaker and activist. Her book Vegan Style is out now on Murdoch Books. For more about Sascha, you can read our interview with her or sign up to her newsletter Kind of Wild.
All images courtesy of BEDI
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