Earth Day seems like the perfect time to shine a light on our long standing relationship with sustainable textiles design brand de Le Cuona. de Le Cuona has generously supported Fine Cell Work for a number of years, donating sustainably sourced fabrics for use in our popular Utility Range. 

The essence of de Le Cuona lies in the unique tactility of their textiles coupled with a deep commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. With a proud 30-year history they are renowned for the beauty, quality, and craftsmanship of everything they do, from their textiles and accessories responsibly crafted from the world’s finest natural fibres to their bespoke interior tailoring service.

Founder and CEO, Bernie de Le Cuona grew up in rural South Africa and the natural world has always been at the heart of what she does. Bernie is not only a textiles expert but a sustainability trailblazer, from the fabrics she creates, to the ethos of the company. We caught up with Bernie to find out more about the history of the collaboration.

Utility Range Apron in Khaki, hand-crafted with linen donated by de Le Cuona

Hi Bernie! Can you tell us about how the relationship with Fine Cell Work came about?

Many years ago I received a call from Fine Cell Work asking if we would like to collaborate with them. When I discovered more about the work they do I thought, what a great cause. Over the years we have donated many thousands of metres of discontinued de Le Cuona fabrics to Fine Cell Work. It’s such a fabulous use of our end of line product, creating a real circular economy and ensuring nothing goes to waste. It is also great to see how it helps Fine Cell Work to raise funds and support the training they are able to give to prisoners.

Our Utility Range is made with fabric that you’ve generously donated. How important is sustainability to de Le Cuona?

I am passionate about creating fabrics and objects that are designed for longevity, in style, materials, and life cycle. It is fundamental to our business. It is our mission to create beautiful products, of the highest quality with minimal impact, putting sustainability at the heart of product creation and distribution.

Utility Range Tea Towel and our new Utility Range Large Bag in Pistachio

Do you have a favourite Fine Cell Work product (apart from the Utility Range, of course!)?

My favourite Fine Cell Work piece was something I was given many years ago and still treasure today. It’s a cushion in one of our discontinued fabrics with a hand embroidered quote from Winston Churchill on the face. It takes pride of place on the sofa in my office.

Bernie's Fine Cell Work cushion

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