BHAVA
Overview
When I envision the large, exquisitely organized, eco-kind closet I hope to one day call my own, BHAVA is one of the first brands that comes to mind. I just sort of desperately want a wall of their boots. Not only are they exceedingly stylish and chic, but according to reviews and the brand’s ethos, they’re also genuinely comfortable. I also love that the brand was founded on strong vegan sentiments, but that their shoes look and perform just like any other high-fashion brand: I imagine someone complementing the shoes and getting to say with a sparkle in my eye, “thank you, they’re vegan.”
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The Details
Based: New York, New York
Cost: $$$ {$130 – $350}
Products: Sandals, mules, slides, pumps, heels, boots, booties, winter boots, belts
Materials: Apple leather, cork, recycled microfiber, eco-suede (vegan), solar powered PU vegan leather
The Look: Timeless, chic, and elegant in blacks, browns, and beiges
Eco-Love & Ethics
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- Sustainable materials
- Independent Latinx-owned
- There aren’t many specifics on BHAVA’s site about worker protections, so I reached out to them. Their founder, Fran, answered and told me the following: she works with two factories, both of which she visits often and has close relationships with the owners. At the factory in Spain (which is small and family-owned), the workers earn a good, middle-class wage and enjoy perks like a long lunch hour to go home and be with their families. At the factory in Mumbai (which is the only female-owned factory in the area), the workers are paid highly for the region. She concluded by saying, “In my experience location says a lot about manufacturing conditions but its also important to know the owner well and that they are passionate about the planet and doing right for their employees.”
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Founded in 2012, Bhava continues to set a new standard in footwear design by sourcing the highest quality artisan, organic, recycled and cruelty free components. The Bhava aesthetic represents timeless elegance with a dose of ingénue charm. Fashion forward with a keen understanding of the all-day comfort required by today’s modern lifestyle.
