Nature is at the core of the Bianca Spender brand and if you have been following our journey you will know we often look to the natural world as a guiding light for our creativity. This deep respect for our natural world touches all that we do. Since the inception of Bianca Spender, more than 15-years ago, we have sought to lighten our impact on the environment. It starts in design with the base of each collection being built around existing materials, and follows through to our manufacturing process, that centres around limited quantities and locally made, hand-crafted quality designs.
The fashion industry today is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution, due to the influx of wear-once fashion. We recognise the urgent need for a more circular fashion economy, that offers your clothing a second, third and fourth life and are proud to partner with the Australian sustainable online marketplace AirRobe, to simplify conscious consumption.
In light of Earth Week, we speak with AirRobe Founder, Hannon Comazzetto to dive into what it means to build a more circular fashion economy and how you yourself can take part.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
“Hello, I'm Hannon. I am now based in New York but I was born in Adelaide, Australia and have lived in Melbourne, Munich, Berlin, and San Francisco.
I'm a self-professed nerd with a deep passion for advancing circularity on a global scale and fostering more sustainable consumer behaviors. I launched AirRobe in 2020 to advance global circularity and promote sustainable consumer behaviors.
My career has spanned startups, corporates, and fashion, including advising on billion-dollar M&A transactions and launching a world-first music royalty marketplace. Today, as Founder & CEO of AirRobe, I lead a dedicated team towards our vision. I also mentor female and minority founders through coaching and programs like Startmate and Austrade’s SF Landing Pad.”
CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL THAT YOU AND AIRROBE ARE DOING TO PROMOTE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY. CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH HOW AIRROBE CAME TO BE?
“Thank you! My journey to starting AirRobe began during my early career in M&A strategy consulting, where I had the opportunity to work with a global fashion house on their supply chain. This experience opened my eyes to the less sustainable aspects of the fashion industry and ignited a passion to find a better, more sustainable approach.
At the same time, I was witnessing the significant generational shift towards sustainability and conscious consumption. As I delved deeper into research and spoke with various stakeholders across the industry, I became increasingly convinced that circular commerce was the answer and a major business opportunity for the industry. Motivated by this vision, I founded AirRobe.”
YOUR GOAL IS TO SOLVE THE GLOBAL FAST-FASHION WASTE PROBLEM. CAN YOU SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH THIS?
“Our mission is to create a better world powered by circular economies and we are working together with the best designers and fashion brands to accelerate this movement.
Addressing the global fast-fashion waste problem requires a shift in consumer demand for higher-quality, longer-lasting products. To facilitate this transition, we provide fashion brands and consumers with the necessary tools to seamlessly integrate into the circular economy. Through education and empowerment, we encourage consumers to invest in enduring pieces that not only retain their value but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
We're witnessing a growing trend of consumers viewing their wardrobes as assets, and seeking out long-lasting garments. Icons like Anna Wintour, who regularly re-wear timeless pieces, epitomize this shift. Despite having access to the latest fashion at no cost, she chooses to maintain a consistent personal style by re-wearing the same Manolo shoes, sunglasses, and necklace stack. This approach not only promotes sustainable consumption but also highlights the power of a unique, individual style.”
HOW CAN THE CONSUMER BE INVOLVED IN DRIVING A MORE CIRCULAR ECONOMY?
“Consumers can begin by investing in pieces that are made to last. This doesn’t mean buying the most expensive product, but prioritising quality over quantity when they shop.
From there we encourage renting or reselling items when you’re ready for them to find a new home. Repair is also another pathway when the piece you love has gotten damaged - it’s incredible how a good tailor can breathe life into a well-loved piece.
Lastly, sharing your experience with others is pivotal in getting the word out and encouraging others to do the same.”
CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR AUDIENCE THE PROCESS TO RE-SELL THEIR PRE-LOVED BIANCA SPENDER PIECES ON AIRROBE?
“We’ve designed the process to re-sell your preloved pieces to be as easy as possible. You simply select “Add to AirRobe” when you checkout at Bianca Spender and this adds your purchases to your own Circular Wardrobe™ (think of this as a digital representation of your wardrobe).
Once you’re ready to give your piece a new home, you can go back into your digital wardrobe and hit “Sell” to list on AirRobe’s marketplace. We suggest the resale value based on live data, and share with you the CO2 offset through your sale.”
THERE ARE PLENTY OF CONSCIOUS FASHION BRANDS ON AIRROBE. WHAT IS IT THAT DREW YOU TO BIANCA SPENDER?
“We feel particularly privileged to be a partner with Bianca Spender. Bianca Spender has long been a champion in the conscious fashion space and the values alignment has been clear from the beginning.
What drew me to Bianca Spender in particular, is the deep commitment to sustainability through product development. The commitment to use deadstock fabrics in over 50% of styles is something that we’re immensely proud to be able to support through the circular economy.”