A mainstay of the HARRI London design process and identity, latex is as remarkably unique as it is delicate. It’s a material that requires specific care to ensure its longevity and maintain its aesthetic appeal. Offering extraordinary stretch and a close fit, latex creates an intriguing tactile experience and is an ode to our commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Latex is harvested from rubber trees, which are usually found in tropical regions. It’s a process that begins with tapping a tree to extract its sap; a huge benefit of this is that the tree can continue to grow and produce sap for many years, in turn, promoting ecological balance by preserving forests while also maintaining their biodiversity. The latex sap is then collected and processed to remove any impurities: the resulting end-product being the quality material we use for our garments.
In an interview with Vogue India, Harri explained, "Latex is preferable to leather due to the fact that none of the additives are derived from animals. [This] plant-based material can help replace polluting materials such as leather and plastics. It's both vegan and biodegradable, and it has a much closer fit and a much higher stretch than leather or PVC."
By choosing latex over more traditional materials like leather and PVC for instance, not only do we find the cornerstone of our design identity, but we also align our design process with a more resourceful and eco-efficient way of operating. Leather production is one example that involves animal farming and processing, which can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, methane emissions, and water pollution. PVC, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum, contributing to fossil fuel dependency and releasing harmful chemicals during its production and disposal. Latex, being plant-based, biodegradable, and renewable, offers a much cleaner alternative.
,
Yet the ecological benefits of latex extend even beyond its sourcing. The rubber trees from which the latex is sourced play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere - consequently helping to mitigate climate change. The cultivation of these trees supports local economies and provides livelihoods for many farmers and workers in these regions of production. With a background in cultivation, Harri expounded, "I was a farmer, and my dad still does latex farming. We own a small plantation and took care of the trees for seven years before I came to London. We have to wait another seven years for them to mature before we can begin tapping into them."
Harri highlighted this creative use of latex in Hypebeast, stating, "Most of the inflatables were created using roll-ends and dead-stock contributed by the UK’s leading latex manufacturer, Supatex [...] [while also creating] new lifelines for the community."
Our partnership with Supatex, the UK’s leading latex manufacturer, is one of the touchstones of fulfilling our sourcing and resourcefulness. Through this collaboration, we are supplied with high-quality latex; ensuring superior design and construction while supporting a circular economy by minimising waste.
With great potential comes great care: to ensure the longevity of any latex piece, proper care is essential. Latex should be cleaned with mild soap and water, and dried thoroughly before storage. We recommend storing latex garments away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these can degrade the material over time. If you’re looking to maintain the material's suppleness and prevent sticking, applying a silicone-based lubricant can help.
When constructed and well-cared for, latex’s inherent properties make it a versatile and exciting material; it’s a great conduit for innovative designs that push the boundaries of contemporary fashion. It offers a particular kind of flexibility that enhances the wearer's experience and showcases the potential of sustainable materials in high-fashion contexts.
Our latex garments embody this fusion of visionary creativity alongside resourceful sourcing, production and craft. In our offerings, we hope to continue to solidify a design identity through which craft, innovation and conscientiousness coincide.
Discover the latest insights, trends, and behind-the-scenes stories, including our upcoming London Fashion Week showcase by subscribing to our blog and following us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Be the first to know about new collections, exclusive offers, and exciting updates by signing up for our mailing list.
Be daring. Be playful. Be bold.
