The world of fashion is always evolving—and for fashionistas seeking adventure, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Whether you’re feeling that big brooch energy or sailing into summer on espadrille wedges, we know that your closet is anything but dull.
However, you might be surprised to know there’s a “new” trend taking the world by storm:cork fashion.
2022 is the year for cork—but why is everyone talking about it? When people used to think of cork, they often imagined rigid pieces or tacky accessories. Fortunately for the eco-conscious, cork manufacturing has come a long way. From cork tote bags to shoes, you’ll quickly find this magical material becoming a favorite in your summer closet.
At Anne Klein, we love that cork can be used as a strong statement piece or a subtle accessory. The versatility of cork makes it an absolute powerhouse in your wardrobe.
Before we show you why cork is such a great choice for accessories, let’s dive into what cork is—and some of its eco-friendly benefits that are turning heads.
What Is Cork?
Cork comes from a tree—to be precise, it’s the sustainably-harvested bark of the Cork Oak tree. The bark from a Cork Oak is a completelyunique material; the thick and sponge-like hide has been a favorite of the wine industry for years before it reached fashion fame. Because of its unique properties, it’s been found in everything from furniture to flooring. Cork is even being used as a plastic-free alternative for vegan leather.
Cork was eco-friendly before it became a trend and is one of the world’s oldest answers for sustainable products. The trees that produce cork are fast-growing, protected, and are sustainably harvested once every nine years throughout their 200-year lifecycle.
The material itself is incredibly durable—plus, it lasts for decades and is alsofully biodegradable.What’s not to love?
So, What about Cork in Fashion?
Cork is undergoing something of a renaissance, and we are absolutely here for it. Designers have taken this wonder material from drab to fab.
Our Cork Tote Bag in green is a perfect example of a gorgeous, sustainable swap from the typical plastic tote:
Cork is a lightweight material composed largely of air: it makes up nearly 50% of its total weight. If you’re tired of your tote bag feeling like an anchor, you’ll love the breezy feel of a cork tote.
In fact, cork is about five times lighter than water—which makes this floatable tote the perfect accessory for your summer pursuits. We love it matched with our fierce Faux Double Breasted Patch Pocket Jacket in Pink Pansy.
Looking for something a little more subtle? We have you covered with our Large Cork Classic Tote in Harvest or White colorways:
We think it pairs beautifully with our stylish and comfortable Impress Kitten Mule in Oat.
There’s more to love about cork; The natural structure of this amazing material resists the damaging effects of water. This natural durability makes cork a great choice for shoes, bags, and even watches—like our eco-focused Considered Solar Powered Cork Strap Watch:
