Monthly Archives: March 2021

When we created BENDY, we wanted to find the softest, and highest quality leather possible and that didn't mean going halfway. That led us all the way to Italy!

Why did we choose Italian leather and what makes it different?

Well, the Italians have been obsessed with leather for centuries. It's a huge part of their culture and has become an integral part of fashion not only here but all around the world. So much so, that Italy is actually the top innovator when it comes to tanning leather. They've revolutionized techniques and methods to help make these materials more luxurious and durable and as import, more sustainable.

The leather used in BENDY is softer and more pliable than most leather shoes. It's also free from flaws or imperfections that you see in cheaper leathers.

Women often describe BENDY as "high quality" which is one reason they love them so much. Unless you buy your shoes in the $300+ range, chances are good that you haven't felt a shoe this nice before.

And speaking of leather..did you ever wonder why we chose leather for our shoe?

Leather is an ideal material for shoes because it breathes (doesn't make your feet sweat) and forms to your foot, making them more comfortable than synthetic and man-made materials.

It is also no coincidence that our Italian tannery took the lead in creating a business model that put the environment first. Tanning is one of the most delicate steps in our shoes’ environmental footprint, so it should come as no surprise to you that we have partnered with this like-minded team. They are reducing tanning’s  impact on our planet through the best technology.

Our Italian tannery holds:

• • The Gold Certification of The Leather Working Group (L.W.G.). for its ethical, environmental and safety practice in the processing of hides.

• • Blauer Engel-Certification, for minimizing their impact on the health, and the environment during the production phase as well as in the recycling and disposal phases.

You may or may not  know that tanning leather isn't a very pleasant process, and if you google it, you'll find some pretty disturbing images.

All over Asia, there are tanneries using antiquated tanning processes - this is not only bad for the environment but also for the workers in these dangerous facilities.

Curious what a state of the art Italian tannery looks like?. Check out these images:

We're really excited about what we've created and we think it’s important to share with you why our shoe’s different. You see, style and comfort if only part of our journey. Each pair is a step toward a brighter future.

Thanks for giving this a read, Shop our stylish comfortable shoe

It’s International Women’s Day and as we speak 98% of factory workers in the fashion industry are not paid enough to meet their most basic needs. 75% are women between the ages of 18-24.
 
Now this has been going on for decades.  Most of our clothes and shoes are made in countries in which workers’ rights are limited or nonexistent. In fact, production sites are regularly moving locations, and big brands are on the lookout for ever cheaper labor costs.
 
So you might hear some say "for these workers, it is better than nothing”, or “at least we give them a job”, and to a certain extent, they are right.  But it is also right to say that they are exploiting the misery and taking advantage of poor populations who have no choice but to work for any salary, in any working conditions.  
 
By yours and my standard, these are slave working conditions. 
 
Does anyone really feel good about slipping a on a pair of shoes or a dress made this way?
 
We envision a fashion industry where every woman earns a living wage and works in a safe environment.

We started our company to offer an alternative way to shop. Now we were in the business and we were exposed to this before the media and influencers started talking about it. We had a hunch that if it was disturbing to us that others would feel that same way.

Here is why our shoe-making process is different:
 

Here at BENDY, our shoes are made in our home state of California by some pretty dedicated ladies (and gents). We can ensure that fair wages, safe working conditions and no child labor is used in making our shoe. We support a community of shoemakers in Los Angeles.

So today, we bring this important issue forward to shine a light on the women all over the world working in difficult conditions. We encourage you to get curious about where and how your goods are made and use your purchasing power to support ethically made products.

Shop our stylish comfortable shoes.