BEEN London

BEEN London originated from the curiosity of Genia, an ex-BBC News journalist, who in 2018, while volunteering at a refugee camp sorting clothes donations, questioned the fate of garments and shoes that were too old or damaged for reuse. This initial curiosity sparked a deeper investigation into waste and sustainability, leading Genia to spend a year studying Sustainable Value Chains at Cambridge. What started as a one-off project to demonstrate that stylish items could be created without any virgin materials quickly evolved into a thriving accessory line made entirely from recycled materials, gaining a loyal following, international press, and multiple sustainability awards. The brand’s journey took a significant step in 2021 with its first commission from DHL, where the team was challenged to creatively repurpose sponsorship banners used at Formula 1 races—a particularly difficult waste stream. Following this, BEEN London expanded its reach by collaborating with prominent organisations such as Netflix, Tate, Rosewood Hotels, and VISA. These projects helped shape BEEN into a unique hybrid entity that blends design studio creativity, waste consultancy, and innovation. They position themselves as problem-solvers and curious innovators driven by a mission to make circularity mainstream. Today, BEEN London operates as an all-female team of multi-disciplinary designers and researchers based in East London. Their expertise spans design, consultancy, and innovation, enabling them to challenge and support various industries in improving their sustainability practices. Their work is characterised by a commitment to exploring new ways to reduce waste and rethink materials, reinforcing their role as pioneers in circular design. BEEN London invites collaboration and engagement, encouraging interested parties to reach out to their team. The brand’s story is not only about creating recycled accessories but also about fostering innovation and consultancy that inspire industries to adopt more sustainable, circular approaches. Their journey from a personal curiosity to an influential design and consultancy collective underscores their dedication to reshaping how materials are valued and reused in contemporary design.