Meeting with our brands, getting to know their founders, and diving deep into their company values is one of my favorite parts of the job. Recently, I had the chance to visit the headquarters of Birdie Blue, an innovative brand making waves in sustainable fashion.
Founded by Kate Harvey, Birdie Blue aims to save as many clothes as possible from ending up in landfills by upcycling old ski and snowboard gear into trendy, functional accessories like fanny packs, tote bags, zipper pouches, and more.
Watch the video below, or scroll to read all about it!
Discover the Story Behind Birdie Blue
Let’s take a closer look at this inspiring brand, straight from my interview with Kate Harvey!
Who Designs Birdie Blue's Colorful Creations?
The designs all depend on what gear is donated! Each week, the Birdie Blue team meticulously breaks down donated items into scraps, organizes the scraps by color, cuts patterns, and sends sewing packs to their talented team scattered across Vermont.
Every bag is truly one-of-a-kind, reflecting the unique materials donated for upcycling.
What’s Kate’s Favorite Style?
Kate’s go-to bag? The Carry All. Known affectionately as the “Mary Poppins” bag, it’s a versatile large tote perfect for anything from mountain adventures to farmer’s market hauls or weekend getaways.
A close second? The Traveler, a stylish dopp kit that sold out within 72 hours of its initial launch. (Don’t worry—it’s back in stock!)
What Happens to the Rest of the Donated Gear?
At Birdie Blue, nothing goes to waste:
- Pockets from old coats become interior pouches for bags.
- Zippers are reused or donated to gear repair shops like Sandbox in Burlington.
- Insulation and batting are repurposed into “shoddy,” which is used for home insulation.
It’s a full-circle approach to sustainability!
How Can You Donate Old Gear to Birdie Blue?
Donating is easy! Head to ShopBirdieBlue.com to get started. They’ll send you free mailers and even reward you with a discount code for future purchases.
Where Can You Shop Birdie Blue Bags in Person?
Find them at Archery Close, right here in Stowe, Vermont!