SENTIENT
Creating apparel with a spirit of unity and compassion, SENTIENT offers apparel and accessories created with respect towards animals and the environment. For every sale of their Panthera bag, the brand will donate 10% of proceeds to Naturalia – an organisation dedicated to conservation and protecting ecosystems. SENTIENT has been featured in VOGUE, GLAMOUR, Grazia and Forbes.
Founder
After graduating from law school in Mexico City, Jimena Suárez studied at the University of California, Berkeley – this time focusing on sustainable development and environmental justice. Her philosophy in life has always been that human and non-human animals both deserve respect and a life free from abuse, mistreatment, and restrictions of their innate liberties. This is how SENTIENT was born.
“We believe that all sentient beings are bound by the soul through our presence on this beautiful planet.”
Materials
SENTIENT works with cactus leather created by Mexican material innovation company Desserto. This material is derived from the Nopal cactus, which grows locally in Mexico and acts as a carbon sink due to its CO2-sequestering capabilities. This tough, resilient plant needs virtually no water and naturally regenerates the soil.
People
The brand's production is carried out by local workshops as part of their aim to empower and develop small and medium enterprises. From pattern construction, to sampling and clothing production, metal fittings and other accessories, content creation and graphic design, as well as textile distributors and production lines we work primarily with micro enterprises and commit to their development and growth.
Production
For their accessory line, SENTIENT partners with the workshop Ansar in the City of Guadalajara, Mexico. The first part of the production process relates to sampling and patterns - Pedro, a highly specialised artisan, takes on this crucial task. First, a carton model is made in order to approve size, design and details. Once this has been approved, Pedro creates the first sample. Following the sampling process, the production begins in the hands of Gregorio, Ricardo, Jaime, Mayra and Montse. The product is then reviewed by Mary and Elia, who are in charge of quality control and ensure the products have achieved the desired quality. Products are then sent to SENTIENT's warehouse in Mexico City. SENTIENT's ready-to-wear and clothing line is produced in the city of León Guanajuato, in a workshop called Gerhel, which specialises leather apparel. The production is carried out by fewer than ten people, starting with manually cutting the leather courtesy of Domingo Reyes. It is then prepared by Elvira Razo for production and sewn by Teresa Soto and Ricardo Rodriguez. Finally, Norma Sanchez reviews quality control and the product is then shipped by Adolfo Juárez. One of the company's goals is to ship directly from the workshop in order to reduce carbon footprint.
Packaging
The brand uses labels made from cotton waste from the textile industry, including chia seeds to make them biodegradable. Plant-based ink is also used on the company's paper materials, which not only reduce water pollution and save energy compared to traditional materials, but are produced in Veracruz and Oaxaca, where production helps create work opportunities and support vulnerable communities. The brand's tote bags are made from unbleached cotton that is dyed organically, while the shipping bags are 100% compostable and made from agave fibres.
Animals
SENTIENT is a 100% vegan brand, and the cactus leather used by the brand is certified by PETA.
To discover more like this, visit our vegan bags, Women's Vegan Leather & Vegan Biker Jackets, Men's Vegan Leather & Vegan Biker Jackets, women's ethical & sustainable clothing and men's ethical & sustainable clothing collections.
You can read more about the problem with animal leather and sustainable vegan leather alternatives on our blog.
Love sustainable vegan leathers? Take a look at our edits for Cactus Leather, Apple Leather, Grape Leather, Pinatex and Cork Leather.
