STRATHBERRY x KIMPTON HOTELS: REDEFINING LUXURY WITH THE BORROW A BAG CAMPAIGN FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
By: Prachi Khatri
The conversation around sustainability has become a significant part of future fashion. Conscious consumerism is not a fleeting trend but a lifestyle, a modern-day approach to reshape how people think of fashion. In a one-of-a-kind collaboration, Scottish luxury accessory brand Strathberry is bringing luxury fashion to hotel doors.
Hotel guests of Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh and Kimpton Blythswood Square in Glasgow can borrow one of Strathberry’s signature bags during their stay at the hotel. The ‘Borrow a Program’ aligns with the hotel’s ‘Forget it? We got it’ experience. The shared experience of being able to use a luxury bag while staying at Kimpton’s is the first-ever opportunity to rent from Strathberry.
Source: Strathberry official website
Kimpton, known for its internationally recognized hotel chain, and Strathberry, for its well-loved luxury handbags, is a perfect recipe of innovation and excellence. The initiative is a reminder for consumers that luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag to the planet.
When guests ‘borrow a bag, it gives them an opportunity to try a different bag, something they wouldn’t have committed to ownership of, and experience the craftsmanship of Strathberry products. As the website quotes, ‘Save room in your suitcase and borrow your favorite Strathberry bags, complimentary when you stay at Kimpton in Scotland.’
In addition to providing various top-selling bags to choose from, the campaign addresses two major concerns in the fashion industry: impact and evolution. Impact on the planet from overconsumption is a key highlight to this initiative whilst also celebrating the evolution of fashion. The Strathberry x Kimpton Hotels collab is a great example of creating a sustainable approach to luxury. The concept of being able to use a luxury purse that likely has been used by others makes sustainability a norm and introduces people to the concept of reuse without much effort.
It is no surprise that the fashion industry, fueled by fast fashion, generates the maximum textile waste annually. According to UN environmental data, 92 million tons of textile waste are added to our landfills annually. Initiatives like ‘Borrow a Bag’ are crucial in establishing a circular fashion sector.
As sustainability takes center stage in both business models and consumer behaviors, collaborations such as Stathberry x Kimpton hotel promote reuse and buying less. It encourages people to enjoy upscale experiences without purchasing a new bag every time there is a sale. Guest can try various luxury items without filling up their own wardrobes. Such collaborations showcase new ways to experience fashion and luxury.
Source: Strathberry official website
The concept of social responsibility is not new for Kimpton hotel chains. With Strathberry, Kimpton continues to commit to offering sustainable luxury to its guests and, in turn, attract more environmentally aware guests. By choosing “borrow a bag,” guests participate in a system with value for longevity and quality. The idea serves as an agent of positive transformation, making people feel good about carrying a classy bag and supporting the concept of borrowing over buying.
It is important to diversify the suitability initiative across industries at the crossroads with the fashion industry. As people look for ethical options in all aspects of their lives, the Stathberry x Kimpton hotel offers sustainable experience with eco-conscious travelers.
Source: Strathberry official website
The thrill of being able to choose from top-selling bags of Strathberry while also being mindful about the planet is an exciting concept for travelers as well as fashion enthusiasts. Not forgetting the light packing of suitcases to avoid matching bags with every outfit. More than just a collaboration, this campaign is a movement to rethink our habits as consumers and the impact that our actions have on the environment.
Simple steps like choosing a preloved luxury, borrowing a product, and ditching fast fashion can go a long way to save our planet!