Wear Test By A Fashion Editor: Corn Leather
Introducing a promising new contender for your everyday rotation, in a promising new textile.
If you’d told us years ago that we’d be playing with fabrics made from vegetable waste, we’d respond with nothing but question marks.
Our latest venture into bio-based textiles takes the form of Corn Leather. Made from fermented corn husks mixed with 100% recycled PU, this fabric has a suede-like finish that relaxes over time.
To put our latest love to the test, we crashed the wardrobe of Sydney-based editor and sartorialist, Angela Law. Ange took our renowned Everyday Croissant streetside to trial its wearability, functionality, style mileage and more.
Who or what influences your wardrobe?
I’ve definitely been on a style journey this year. A few years ago, I made a conscious effort to pare back my wardrobe and invest in really good quality basics that I knew I’d get a lot of mileage out of. This gave me a huge amount of confidence when getting ready in the morning, because I felt like I had a uniform of sorts that I knew looked good, no matter what room I was walking into.
This year, I’ve felt ready to branch out with more fun pieces that add some of my own personality back into my wardrobe (it had all become a bit… predictable and same-samey).
Allison Bornstein’s approach to finding your personal style by honing in on your “three words” has been really helpful. Right now, my three words are classic, playful, and chic because I always want to feel like I look effortlessly put together and timeless, but not in a way that feels too serious.
Of course, Instagram is also a huge source of inspiration for me but I’m trying not to get lost in the warp-speed trend cycle, and instead, try to shop my wardrobe where possible before thoughtfully adding a new piece into the mix. (I don’t always succeed — it’s a work in progress!)
Do you have any hard-and-fast style rules?
I try not to limit myself to any hard-and-fast rules but I do have a few habits that I try to stick to when shopping. For example, I never buy an item of clothing that I can’t see working for multiple events or scenarios. Also, when considering an investment piece, I always force myself to walk away and come back to it later (sometimes many, many times) to be sure that I really want it and am not just getting sucked into buying a new, pretty thing.
What are three things you can’t leave the house without having in your bag?
One thing to know about me is that no matter how big or small my bag is, I’ll always have it filled to the brim. I change up the contents of my bag constantly, but three things you’ll always find in there are:
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Pink Sugar. In my opinion it’s the perfect clear balm-gloss, it’s not too sweet or sticky, and layers beautifully over lip liner.
- Spearmint Eclipse Mints. I can’t explain why, but I chew on these all day long.
- Crown Affair “The Comb”. It’s the perfect handbag comb and helps to stop my hair from getting too wild throughout the day.
Can you describe the look and feel of Corn Leather?
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a bag made from corn and recycled PU, but I have been really pleasantly surprised. It has a supple, suede-like feel, except I haven’t needed to worry about the fabric being marked when wearing it on a rainy day like actual suede (I really put this to the test when travelling in Japan in May). I’ve also been pretty rough with this bag and can’t see any scuffs.
The suede-like texture of the fabric also softens the black colourway, making it look almost-but-not-quite charcoal. This is ideal for me as black accessories tend to look a bit too stark against my fair skin.
Take us on the journey of your Croissant affair: where have you taken the bag, how have you styled it, what are your final thoughts?
This bag and I have been on a (literal) journey together. I received it before Australian Fashion Week this year and wore it two out of five days, as it was a great bag to toss over my shoulder. It’s also big enough to fit the necessities, plus all the extras you need for a week like Fashion Week (a portable charger, digital camera, nine different lip products and two small perfumes, etc), while still sitting flush against my body and not feeling bulky.
Right after Fashion Week, I jetted off on a much-needed two-week holiday to Japan and the Croissant became my evening bag as the chunky, silver buckle added a subtle touch of razzle-dazzle to my outfits. This theme has continued since I’ve returned from my holiday, and tend to style the Croissant with my more laid-back outfits of jeans and knitwear to add a bit of interest to an otherwise simple look.
The adjustable strap and generous scoop have also made this a bag I genuinely reach for in winter, as it fits easily over the shoulder — no matter how many layers of cosy clothing I have on.
