I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with designer-duo Stirling & Truffles, exploring their commitment to minimising single-use plastic in Australian households. Discover what sets the brand apart and why Petria, one half of the Stirling & Truffles, recently won a global award for Women in Sustainability.

It’s rare to find a duo more passionate about sustainability than Petria Cumner and Ben Johnson — the designers behind the sustainable leather accessories brand, Stirling & Truffles. Nestled in the heart of Toowoomba, Australia, the pair have embarked on an inspiring journey to minimise their environmental footprint and lead the way for future generations. How do they achieve this? By embracing a plastic-free approach with their innovative leather water bottle carriers and creating long-lasting leather products intended to be generational. Their work stands as a testament to the enduring art of craftsmanship and environmental consciousness.

The journey of Stirling & Truffles into sustainable design and community advocacy had very humble beginnings. Their fated move to Toowoomba highlighted the sheer amount of single-use plastic they had accumulated over the years, prompting a reflection on its impact on future generations. During the move from bustling Brisbane to serene Toowoomba, they glanced back at their son surrounded by a mountain of plastic water bottles in the backseat of their car. This crucial moment ignited their determination to create a better world for their son, Stirling.

Their commitment to sustainability deepened as they partnered with the Toowoomba Fashion Festival at the Empire Theatre earlier this year. Every action, from suggesting bamboo makeup wipes and biodegradable Q-tips backstage to using recycled canvases for advertising, was aimed at reducing environmental impact. This involvement highlighted their mission to engage with businesses on reducing their footprint and fostering a culture of sustainability in Toowoomba and beyond. Every day, they show that fashion can be environmentally friendly.

We had so many water bottles at home and they weren’t getting used. It was too hard to carry the reusable bottle, our son’s bottles, the dog lead, and the dogs… You just never had a free hand. We designed a bottle carrier to solve that problem,” says Ben, one half of Stirling & Truffles.

Jarrod Montoro wears Stirling & Truffles signature water bottle carrier for Style Magazines Toowoomba

Stirling & Truffles’ signature pieces include sustainable bottle carriers, copper water bottles, and various products made from cowhide or kangaroo leather. The duo also creates bespoke fashion accessories. At the Toowoomba Fashion Festival, they unveiled an exceptional, limited edition collection of alter ego accessories that lit up the runway and stirred emotions in the audience. Models showcased designs from giant pink bows with matching capes to sultry harnesses that hugged one’s figure, making wearers feel stylish, edgy, and confident.

I had the opportunity to discuss the design process with Petria and Ben as they prepared for the Toowoomba Fashion Festival. In anticipation of the event, they posed critical questions to themselves: “What hasn’t Toowoomba seen yet? What hasn’t Australia seen?” Their response was to push the boundaries of fashion by crafting leather accessories with edginess and innovativeness. Their philosophy centres around creating custom designs and advocating for sustainability over fleeting fashion trends. While they acknowledged their runway looks weren’t for the everyday, this deliberate choice was aimed to make their presence on the catwalk all the more unforgettable.

The pieces have personality. Our leather accessories can delve into people’s alter egos,” explains Petria.

“When our model Chelsea Mayer wore a pink bow and cape for the photoshoot with Style Magazines Toowoomba, she said she felt like Little Red Riding Hood. It brought out a fun side of her that everyday outfits don’t typically do.

Stirling & Truffles accessories transcend you into an alter ego. We wanted to replicate this feeling on the runway of Toowoomba Fashion Festival.”

Petria’s background in fashion and interior design is complemented by Ben’s expertise in leather craftsmanship, acquired during his teenage years in Western Queensland. There, Ben learned to make leather whips and repair horse bridles, skills that now bring Petria’s designs to life. This history in design and leather workmanship has culminated in their signature reusable leather bottle harness and unique accessories.

A common question for Ben and Petria is what makes Stirling & Truffles so environmentally friendly. They explained that they avoid materials like vegan leather (made from plant-based fibres such as apple peels or mushrooms) or PVC, which degrade in 2-3 years and cause more environmental harm. Instead, they use genuine leather, which is durable and lasts a lifetime. As leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, they are committed to only sourcing materials from production companies that follow globally sustainable practices. This high standard has earned the eco-friendly brand a top spot in the official shop of Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra. They were one of eight businesses from Queensland selected to showcase their products in the highly-coveted Parliament gift shop.

Stirling & Truffles has gained significant recognition for their approach to sustainability, both on a community level and in educating other businesses. Their engagement extends beyond Toowoomba to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Their iconic water bottle harness is popular among fitness enthusiasts, hikers, teachers, picnic-lovers, and festival-goers. Ben and Petria are proud that people from all walks of life share their mission to reduce plastic waste.

The community engagement has been incredible. In such a throwaway society, people are finding it refreshing that we offer sustainable solutions to everyday practices. We are trying to instil the ‘old school’ mentality of buying a quality item once, taking care of it, and having it for life. With the cost of living, we’re finding this is a necessity.”

The pair have made a remarkable impact on their community by advocating for reduced reliance on single-use plastics and promoting the use of durable, long-lasting materials like leather. This approach allows the brand to significantly decrease waste production and educate communities on eco-friendly practices, encouraging a culture of sustainability in regional Queensland. Their original leather bottle carrier can potentially remove 1200 water bottles from one person in one year — bringing fashion and functionality together with the premise of saving the environment.

Stirling & Truffles’ commitment to environmentally friendly practices has also garnered international recognition. Just last month, Petria travelled to London for the Women Changing The World Global Summit where she won a Bronze Award for Women in Sustainability for her advocacy in Australia. Achieving this accolade from the Duchess of York herself, Sarah Ferguson, within the first two years of establishing their brand is an incredible milestone for Stirling & Truffles. While going completely plastic-free can initially feel overwhelming, Petria and Ben offer a wealth of knowledge to guide individuals and businesses toward better environmental practices for future generations. It is the simple act of choosing a sustainable product like a reusable water bottle over single-use plastic that ultimately holds the power to change the world.

You too can join the movement towards a more sustainable future, one stylish leather accessory at a time. Explore the full range of Stirling & Truffles’ sustainable leather accessories on their website. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates and designs.

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Written by Melanie Canosa