BAÉ: A Personal Look At Sustainable Luxury
Unveiling the story behind the brand.
In a world dominated by fleeting trends and fast fashion, BAÉ is setting a new standard with its unique blend of sustainable luxury and timeless elegance. Founded by longtime friends and fashion industry veterans Katya and Marina, BAÉ was born from the desire to create more meaningful fashion that not only celebrates special moments but also promotes mindful consumption.
Their hand-made dresses and accessories are meticulously crafted to be cherished and worn repeatedly, offering the modern woman a versatile wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from day to night.
We had the opportunity to interview Katya and Marina, where they shared the inspiration behind BAÉ, their commitment to slow fashion, and how they’re leading the way in creating luxurious, sustainable pieces for the modern woman:
BAÉ is rooted in a vision of sustainable luxury and slow fashion. Can you tell us what first inspired you both to embark on this journey, and how your combined two decades of experience shaped the direction of the brand?
The journey to create BAÉ began with a shared passion for creating meaningful fashion—pieces that tell a story, last for years, and promote mindful consumption. Over the years, we both worked in the fashion industry and witnessed firsthand the negative effects of fast fashion. This motivated us to do something different, something that promotes a more sustainable way of dressing. Our combined experience allowed us to take a thoughtful, nuanced approach to design and production, ensuring we created something timeless yet modern, luxurious yet ethical. We wanted to build a brand that values quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability above all else, and BAÉ was the natural culmination of those ideals.
You’ve emphasized that BAÉ dresses are not just designed for one occasion but are meant to be cherished and worn repeatedly. How did you approach the design process to ensure that these pieces remain timeless and versatile for the modern woman?
When designing BAÉ dresses, we focused on creating silhouettes that are classic yet adaptable, allowing women to wear them time and time again without feeling like they’re following fleeting trends. We pay careful attention to details that offer versatility, such as elegant cuts that flatter various body types and detachable accessories that can be styled differently depending on the occasion. Our goal is to make each piece feel like an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe—something she can return to repeatedly. We also design with adaptability in mind—our dresses are easily styled for both formal events and casual outings, making them perfect for the multifaceted lives modern women lead.
Sustainability is a core value for BAÉ, from your careful fabric selection to your zero-waste approach. Can you walk us through how BAÉ ensures a low environmental impact throughout the production process, and how you transform leftover materials into those exquisite accessories?
Sustainability is woven into every step of our production process. We work closely with our manufacturers to ensure that waste is minimized during production. Any leftover fabrics or remnants that would typically go to waste are transformed into beautiful accessories, ensuring nothing is discarded. Our zero-waste philosophy not only reduces our environmental footprint but also allows us to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that add extra value to the collection.
BAÉ garments are proudly produced in the European Union, supporting local artisans. How do you balance local craftsmanship with global fashion appeal, and why was it important for you to focus on local production?
Producing locally within the EU is a key part of our philosophy because it allows us to maintain high standards of craftsmanship while also supporting the local economy and reducing our carbon footprint. We believe in the value of traditional European craftsmanship, which brings a level of quality and attention to detail that aligns with our vision of luxury. At the same time, we design with a global perspective, ensuring that our pieces resonate with women around the world. By balancing local production with global appeal, we’re able to create garments that not only look beautiful but are also made in a way that respects the people and communities involved in their creation. This focus on local production helps us stay true to our slow fashion ethos and ensures each piece is crafted with care and precision.
The concept of slow fashion challenges the fast-paced trends dominating the industry. What has been the biggest challenge in advocating for slow fashion in today’s market, and how do you see BAÉ leading the way in this shift?
One of the biggest challenges is changing the mindset of consumers who have grown accustomed to the speed and convenience of fast fashion. There’s often pressure to deliver new collections quickly to keep up with trends, but we’re committed to staying true to our slow fashion principles. Instead of releasing countless new pieces each season, we focus on creating thoughtful, well-made garments that will last. Educating our audience about the value of investing in high-quality, sustainable pieces has been challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do. BAÉ is leading the shift by showing that luxury and sustainability can coexist, offering pieces that don’t just follow trends but stand the test of time. We believe that once consumers experience the beauty and longevity of slow fashion, they’ll see it as a more fulfilling alternative.
As BAÉ continues to grow, what do you envision for the future of the brand, both in terms of expanding your collection and further advancing your sustainability goals?
As BAÉ continues to evolve, we plan to expand our collection while staying true to our core values of sustainability and timeless design. We’re constantly exploring new ways to innovate. Our goal is to offer even more versatile pieces that meet the needs of the modern woman while also pushing the boundaries of what sustainable fashion can be. We’re also committed to deepening our sustainability goals—this includes further reducing our environmental impact and finding new ways to make our production process even more ethical. We’re excited for the future and the opportunity to continue setting an example for what luxury, sustainable fashion can look like in the long term.
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