What the SAYE Project Is
SAYE, the Barcelona-based brand founded in 2018, is recognized by British Vogue as one of the top sustainable trainer brands. From the very beginning, SAYE has been dedicated to providing high-quality, sustainable footwear and apparel while promoting a more conscious lifestyle. The project was built on the idea that the environmental challenges faced today require a revolutionary alternative to traditional footwear. In its journey, SAYE has embraced its mission to acknowledge the impact on the planet and take meaningful steps toward a better, more sustainable future… all done with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Main Benefits
- Founded in Barcelona in 2018 and heralded by British Vogue.
- Delivers high-quality, sustainable footwear and apparel.
- Utilizes innovative, bio-based, recycled, and organic materials.
- Promotes a conscious lifestyle while addressing environmental challenges.
- Embraces responsible and alternative consumption methods.
- Launched a record-setting Kickstarter campaign for 7,000 pairs of sneakers.
- Expanded through Indiegogo, evolving from a project to a fully operational company.
Innovative Sustainability Efforts
SAYE operates with the conviction that vegan products should also have a genuine environmental commitment – they must not be made of plastic. Using new plant-based materials and continuously seeking out innovations, the brand is constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce its environmental impact. Suppliers are invited to collaborate on creating sustainable products, ensuring that each item lives up to its promise of low ecological footprints. It is a dynamic venture where each step forward is a testament to the commitment towards sustainability.
Quality, Style, and Integrity
Quality and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive; SAYE proves that style and integrity can go hand in hand. The brand’s commitment to ethical practices goes beyond simply sourcing sustainable materials – it is about creating a business based on integrity and nurturing strong, lasting connections with its partners and the community. With each product, SAYE encourages a change of mentality towards more responsible consumption. There’s a delightful emphasis on authenticity in every design, making every step not only a style statement but also a contribution to a better world.
SAYE’s Journey and Growth
The origins of SAYE can be traced back to a moment in Barcelona, February 2017, when Marta invited Lizzie and Damian to join an exciting new project in BCN. It was a newborn idea about an online sneaker brand with a unique twist – for every sale, trees would be planted. That initial spark turned into a full-fledged movement with ambitions to raise funds through crowdfunding on Kickstarter, covering early production costs. The journey was marked by tireless efforts: refining prototypes, dealing with suppliers, and preparing for the Kickstarter campaign. The first 7,000 pairs of sneakers produced on Kickstarter became the most-funded Spanish fashion project ever on that platform. Following this success, the project quickly evolved, transitioning to Indiegogo for about 20 months, further expanding the brand from an idea to a true company.
Sustainable Commitment in Every Step
SAYE’s ethos is deep-rooted in its uncompromising environmental philosophy. For the brand, it’s not enough to merely offer vegan products; every item must also reflect a dedicated environmental commitment. The approach is refreshingly holistic – ensuring that every design decision and partnership is anchored in a desire to mitigate environmental impacts. This transparency and dedication resonate with consumers who are rapidly shifting towards more thoughtful, responsible shopping habits. Every pair of sneakers or piece of apparel is a testament to the belief that sustainability and style can create a lasting impact.
Project Impact and SDGs
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging sustainable choices and innovative use of materials.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – contributing to efforts against climate change by reducing the environmental footprint.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting reforestation by planting over 325K trees to compensate for unavoidable impacts.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – building lasting connections with suppliers and collaborators committed to a common vision.
Looking Forward
SAYE stands as a pioneering example of what modern, sustainable fashion can be. With a robust foundation built on integrity, quality, and innovation, the brand continually steps forward into a future where sustainability and style coalesce seamlessly. The journey from a simple spark in Barcelona to a record-setting Kickstarter success story embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence. This project is not only about creating a product; it is a celebration of a new mindset – one that encourages responsible consumption, collaborative development, and a commitment to a greener world. As the brand continues to innovate and expand, its impact is bound to reach even greater heights, inspiring others to adopt similar eco-friendly approaches. The dynamic, ever-evolving nature of the initiative leaves no doubt that sustainable fashion has arrived to stay…
