Addressing the issues of overconsumption, fast fashion, water waste and animal cruelty, Texcoco Collective is a luxury accessory brand committed to eco-conscious design, environmental conservation and thoughtful consumption.
Founded by Gold Coast entrepreneur Monique Montfroy, the brand aims to be a voice for sustainable thinking and to share unique, high-quality designs with the ethos of nurturing the earth.
“I wanted to send a message that we can enjoy beautiful goods without harming the environment,” she explains.
“It is important to me to make conscious choices and be aware of my environmental footprint, while still being practical and looking elegant.”
Texcoco offers a range of high quality, handmade vegan leather handbags, crafted from cactus leather by Mexican artisans.
A few years ago Montfroy travelled to Mexico where she saw the impacts of overconsumption first hand.
“I did an artist residency in Mexico for three months as part of an environmental volunteer group. I had also been dabbling in documentary photography for eight years, doing projects around people’s lives and living conditions. I was involved with social commentary and social issues for a while through my photography.
“During this residency, I saw the impact behind overconsumption as well as the effect that first world countries have on developing nations. One day whilst in Mexico, I bought a cow leather handbag. I asked the vendor who made it, where it had come from and so on. He didn’t seem to have any answers and there wasn’t any traceability behind the purchase, which concerned me.”
Indeed, after researching how traditional leathers were produced, Monique Montfroy was shocked to discover the enormous waste involved. “From the water wastage to the impact it has on our planet, the effect on human lives and animal cruelty, I knew there had to be a better solution.
“It seemed clear to me that my next natural step was to create my own range of accessories. I partly took inspiration from my mother, who was an extremely talented designer and seamstress when I was growing up. She was a bespoke designer for one-on-one clients and she instilled a love of design and fashion within me.
“I will always remember her hand-beading diamonds into wedding dresses and creating the most incredible garments―all the while being a mum to five children. She truly taught me the importance of attention to detail.
“With Texcoco Collective, I also want to be connected with people and community and the betterment of society as a whole, no matter where they are from. I found this would be a possibility through these handbags, so I reached out to collaborate with One Tree Planted.”
