Elvis & Kresse: beautiful, original accessories from retired fire hoses

We love the inspired idea behind multi award-winning British accessory and lifestyle brand Elvis & Kresse who make quirky gifts made from reclaimed materials.

Elvis & Kresse was established to save London's decommissioned fire hoses; hoses that had become too damaged to repair after years of life-saving service and were destined for landfill. In 2005, Elvis & Kresse fell in love with these brave old hoses and mounted a rescue mission. Over the following years, the project grew and since 2010 Elvis & Kresse have been able to save ALL of London’s retired hoses - a pretty incredible achievement!

London's fire hoses were just the beginning. Today, Elvis & Kresse's highly skilled craftspeople make beautifully designed bags and homeware from over 15 different materials that, like the hoses, were previously going to landfill - think military parachute silk. The team has successfully rescued over 250 tonnes of unwanted materials and have turned them into gorgeous, unique accessories. 

A fellow social enterprise, 50% of Elvis & Kresse's profits are donated to charities related to their raw materials, and since the very beginning, 50% of their profits from the fire hose range have been donated to The Fire Fighters Charity.

Find out more about Elvis & Kresse on their website.