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Behind the Brand: Juju & Co

More About the Much-Loved Leather & Jute Bags

JOURNAL / JUL 26, 2025

Sills + Co has proudly stocked Juju & Co for over four years now. Get to know the brand that’s a lynchpin for Sills + Co styling and sells out every season.

About Juju & Co

Founded in 2014, Juju & Co is a Sydney-based accessories brand led by Susan Venables, whose European-inspired style is the foundation of the brand. Today, Susan and her all-female team in Australia and India continue to craft thoughtful pieces using vegetable-tanned leather and jute.

Every Juju & Co piece feels like a natural extension of your lifestyle — considered, effortless, and quietly refined. Whether it’s a buttery-soft leather tote you’ll carry for years or a weekend-ready jute bag in a neutral hue, these accessories are designed to integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe. At Sills + Co, our customers appreciate not just the form and function of Juju & Co, but also the integrity behind the materials and the makers.

What is Vegetable Tanned Leather?

Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest and most natural methods of tanning leather — done using tannins found in plants, tree bark, leaves, and fruit. Unlike chrome tanning (which is faster and more common), veg-tanning is a slower, traditional process that can take weeks. But it’s absolutely worth the wait.

The result? A beautifully firm leather that softens with age and develops a rich patina over time, meaning your bag only gets better the more you use it. No two pieces age the same, so yours ends up telling a story that's completely personal.

What our customers love about vegetable-tanned leather is not just the quality, but the way it feels - natural, organic, and luxurious without being flashy. It’s the kind of leather that takes on character with every touch, every travel day, every season.

Veg-tanned leather isn’t just about looks, it’s also a more conscious choice. It’s biodegradable, free from harsh chemicals, and often sourced from more sustainable practices. When it’s certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), you know it’s been produced in a tannery that meets high environmental and ethical standards — minimising water use, improving energy efficiency, and managing waste responsibly.

It’s a material that aligns with a lifestyle that values quality over quantity — something our Sills + Co customer understands deeply.

What is Jute?

Jute is a strong, breathable plant fibre that’s been used for centuries to make things like rope, sacks, and rugs. These days, it’s also making waves in fashion for all the right reasons. It’s durable, versatile, and one of the most eco-friendly materials out there.

Why? Because jute is rain-fed (no intensive irrigation), grows super fast, and needs very little to thrive. No fancy chemicals or fertilisers required. It’s also 100% biodegradable and compostable. Basically, it’s a material that’s as kind to the Earth as it is to your wardrobe.

Juju & Co uses double-washed, vegetable-dyed jute in muted, earthy shades — perfect for a neutral-toned wardrobe or anyone who gravitates toward natural textures and easy layering. This washing process softens the fibres, giving our jute a lived-in feel that’s gentle to the touch, while still being strong enough for everyday use. The result is a more relaxed, elevated version of a classic natural material.

Whether you’re heading to the local market, packing light for a weekend away, or styling a casual outfit with a textural twist, Juju & Co’s jute pieces bring a balance of function, form, and feel-good sustainability.

Juju & Co bags are much-loved by staff and customers alike - especially their Slings for travelling!

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