Telling People About It

I have just found the most amazing brand. Australian too! It's called Bento and it's from Melbourne. It was mentioned in Peppermint magazine (the current issue - #9) and they already have their first collection out.

The site is can be found here.

What is more interesting is Bento's blog. It's about the progression of Sam who was a banker and now owns and runs Bento. The progression was/is so interesting that I went and read all the archived posts.

The Autumn/Winter 2011 collection had the pieces photographed in August 2010 with pre-planning and what-not done before August. I can't believe how far ahead they have to plan to get clothes designed and produced before they arrive in stores.

A couple of things that drew me to Bento are:

• it is made in Australia with fabrics sourced in Australia when possible
• high quality fabrics
• ethical treatment of workers- no sweatshop!

Of course with everything being made in Australia and with the highest quality fabrics available, the prices are going to fairly steep. But if you browse through the collection, you can see that the pieces are timeless and stuff that you will keep FOREVER.

Below are a couple of my faves from the season:

(All the following photos taken from the Bento blog here)

Louise V knit in black - 100% merino wool

Hannah silk blouse with

Henry tailored wide legged trousers - 100% wool

Georgia knit with

Henry trousers in black

Louise V neck in grey

I am planning to get the trousers, the black v neck knit and the Georgia knit top. I am hesitant only because of the total price. It's going to be large!

Most of the items can be purchased at The Dreamery but beware- the prices aren't for the faint hearted!

To think about: what is the price of quality, timelessness and keeping things Australian made when there are so many cheap and throwaway fashion out there?

Below are photos taken from the blog, here, which are for the second season- presumably a spring/summer release that have caught my eye. A couple of staples to add to my wardrobe.

Denim jacket, buttoned top and shorts.

Louise v neck in cotton and denim shorts

Louise v neck and a skirt from their previous collection but in summer-friendly fabrics

Maxi dress

The pieces I would like to purchase would be the buttoned shirt and possibly the maxi dress depending on what colours are available for that.

Have to start saving my pennies!!

This post was inspired by one of Bento's post: The People Project. What Bento stands for is just too good not to spread the word. Plus I liked the Bento philosophy on their home page:

"We create timeless pieces that are simple and stylish. We just design those wardrobe staples that seem to go with everything, last for ages and stay in high rotation year after year.

Despite the Bento name having Japanese origins, this is a rather French way of thinking. All our pieces are made to last, using only the best fabrics and manufactures locally in an environment that respects and remunerates workers appropriately."

I want my wardrobe to reflect that philosophy.