FALLING IN LOVE WITH ALMOST PERFECT FEAT. JENAH ST.
What is it about us that discards things when they no longer feel ‘perfect’? How often have you picked something in the shop that is almost perfect only to reach for the ‘better’ one behind it on the shelf? If we do this with inanimate objects, imagine the pressure we put on ourselves to be the best at everything or to look a certain way, even when we don’t actively think about it.
We live in a world where the ideal version of something is always the one we push for: social media posts curated to the point where we don’t even love what we’re sharing anymore (I used to dissect things to an unhealthy level), outfits pulled apart for hours, around the world meals are photographed ’till they go cold on our plates all while we throw away our wardrobe instead of repairing the pieces because we know there’s another one available right around the corner. We buy things only to wear them once, and we often neglect their care because discarding is easier. We do the same with our inter-personal relationships, dreams and ambitions when we feel we’re not succeeding to the highest possible standard. All of this forms and grows because perfection has tricked us into thinking anything less than it, is not worth our time or value, and as a result we spend our lives feeling like we’re falling behind instead of enjoying where we are.
What if I told you that I’ve started to passionately search for brands and individuals who believe that imperfections don’t make something any less lovable? I’ve been seeking out those who make room in their lives for the ‘almost perfect’ versions of everything. My journey towards this began when I was treating myself to a yoga mat; I had my first big opportunity to take a chance on imperfection, I bought a mat that would otherwise have ended up in landfill, I couldn’t see any imperfections and the truth is that was because I was learning how to stop hunting for them. This practice began to pour out into everything I did, I reached for the things which were considered almost perfect, finding beauty in what they had to offer and loving them just as they are.
With this new process in mind, when I was chosen to partner with sustainable luxury vegan brand Jenah St. on their ‘Every Bag Deserves A Home’ campaign, I knew I wanted to speak about their gorgeous bags and mission through my lens of falling in love with being almost perfect. The campaign highlights everything I care about; veganism, ethical manufacturing, sustainable fashion, human rights, feminism, environmentalism and my new passion project; loving imperfections and challenging the idea of what perfect really is in the first place.
Jenah St. make vegan designer statement bags in Italy from Ecolabel certified materials: gorgeous vegan leather and suede (high-performance PU and microfiber) with all their materials being reusable and the threads comprised of 100% recycled PET bottles. In comparison with its animal skin equivalent the environmental impact of a Jenah St. handbag means it uses 5.5 times less water, 50% less greenhouse emission, and no animal cruelty. This is a high end designer bag which asks you to join the animal free fashion movement – where vegan leather is the compassionate, considerate and creative choice. My pouch is also suited for a second life through their recycle program, something which more brands should be offering. I was gifted a gorgeous bag from their collection as they wanted to lovingly re home their almost perfect pieces (these bags have minor scuffs, scratches or slight differences in the product which means they can’t be sold). I personally can’t find anything ‘off’ with my bag, but then again remember; I’m not searching for that, I am loving it just as it is.
The pouch is spacious, thoughtfully designed, stylish and comfortable to wear; with the extra pockets carefully added in a way which adds to the design, plus that brushed gold hardware with vintage finish and soft vegan suede interior is so luscious. My pouch arrived in its own dust bag (I felt so fancy opening it), minimal eco-paper packaging and a beautiful dried flower for presentation. It’s immediately clear from the minute you open your parcel how much consideration goes into the brand and all their collections. I am so grateful that I get to fill mine with things I adore and offer this beautiful bag which I already cherish, an adoring forever home.
If you’d like to browse these bags and more of the Jenah St. collection you can do so on their website. I hope my journey towards loving the almost perfect parts of the world, and myself, inspires you to do the same. Next time you find yourself searching for the flaws in yourself, and others – take a step back and look at all the intricate and beautiful parts you might have missed instead, the world is full of these moments daily and each one has so much to offer.
Thank you to the wonderful Jenah St. for choosing to work with me on this collaboration and gifting (#AD) this gorgeous bag which you can find here (I honestly adore it so much and think it would make an incredible gift for someone you love or treat for yourself). Also this project would not have been possible without Ethical Influencers so thank you to them for all their continued support. You can follow more of my projects and fun adventures here: PAPERMACHEMIND – Thanks so much for reading x
