There’s a reason men’s Chelsea boots have never fallen out of favour - they’re the quiet achievers of any well edited wardrobe. Clean, considered and endlessly adaptable, they strike that elusive balance between polish and ease. Whether you’re heading into the office, out for dinner or refining your everyday uniform, the right pair of versatile men’s boots will carry you through with confidence.
At the centre of it all? A refined, hardworking silhouette like the Thallium - a considered take on the best Chelsea boots for men, designed to move seamlessly between moments.
An Evening Unlocking & Discussing Sustainable Solutions In Fashion
On a rainy Sydney evening, we opened our doors at our Bared Footwear store to a room filled with curiosity, intention and a shared belief that fashion can do better.
The Next Step was a panel discussion here to dive deeply into how fashion can actually create real change when it comes to sustainability. It was a moment of reflection, a challenge to industry norms and a clear signal that meaningful change is already underway - but also has a long way to go.
Bringing together leading voices across fashion, sustainability and innovation, the event offered a rare opportunity to step behind the curtain and explore what responsibility in fashion truly looks like today and where it is heading next.
Setting The Scene: A Purposeful Gathering
Hosted by Bared’s Men’s Marketing Manager Maggie Kelly, the evening unfolded with warmth and clarity. There was an undeniable energy in the room, shaped by a community eager to learn, question and contribute.
Guests were welcomed with thoughtfully curated canapés by sustainable catering company Radish, showcasing seasonal ingredients and low waste principles in action. Alongside them, B Corp certified beverage partners reinforced a consistent message: every detail matters when it comes to sustainability.
This was not sustainability as a buzzword. It was sustainability as a lived experience.
Meet The Panel: Voices Driving Chang
The conversation brought together three distinct yet deeply aligned perspectives.
Anna Baird
Founder and CEO of Bared Footwear, offered insight from within the industry, sharing the realities of building a business that balances growth with responsibility.
Lucianne Tonti
Award-winning author and investigative journalist, brought a critical lens shaped by years of reporting on fashion’s environmental and social impact.
Jessie French
Artist and experimental sustainability designer, added a creative and systems-focused perspective, challenging the audience to think beyond products and towards long-term planetary health.
Together, the panel moved seamlessly between honesty and optimism, grounding big ideas in practical action.
Redefining Sustainability In Fashion
One of the clearest takeaways from the evening was that sustainability is no longer a single initiative or checklist. It is a continuous process of improvement.
Anna spoke candidly about the complexity of responsible production. From material sourcing to supply chain transparency, every decision carries weight. Progress is not linear and perfection is not the goal. Instead, it is about making better choices consistently and being transparent about the journey.
Lucianne reinforced this idea, highlighting the importance of informed consumers. Sustainability does not sit solely with brands. It is a shared responsibility. Asking questions, understanding materials and valuing longevity over trends are all part of shifting the industry.
Jessie pushed the conversation further, urging a systems-level approach. True sustainability considers not only how products are made, but how they exist in the world beyond purchase. Waste, circularity and regeneration must be part of the design process from the very beginning.
The Power of Transparency
If there was one thread that ran through every discussion, it was transparency.
The panel agreed that modern consumers are increasingly aware and rightly sceptical. Greenwashing is no longer acceptable and vague claims hold little value. What matters is clarity.
Anna shared that being open about both achievements and challenges builds trust. It invites customers into the process rather than presenting a polished, unrealistic version of sustainability.
Lucianne emphasised that transparency is also a tool for accountability. When brands communicate clearly, they create pressure for the entire industry to improve.
This openness does not weaken a brand. It strengthens it.
Designing For Longevity
Another key theme was longevity. In a world driven by fast cycles, creating products that last is one of the most powerful sustainability tools available.
Bared’s approach centres on durability, timeless design and comfort. Footwear that supports the body and stands the test of time naturally reduces the need for constant replacement.
Jessie highlighted that extending the life of a product significantly lowers its environmental impact. It is a simple concept, yet one that requires a shift in both design philosophy and consumer mindset.
Buy less, choose well and keep it for longer.
A Community Ready For Change
Beyond the panel, what made the evening truly impactful was the audience itself.
A room filled with engaged, thoughtful individuals created a dynamic exchange of ideas. Questions were considered and conversations continued long after the formal discussion ended.
This is where real change begins. Not just on stage, but in the collective mindset of a community willing to take the next step.
Looking Ahead
The Next Step was not about presenting a finished solution. It was about acknowledging progress while recognising there is more to be done.
The future of fashion will be shaped by collaboration, transparency and a commitment to continuous improvement.
It will require businesses to challenge themselves, consumers to stay curious and creatives to rethink what is possible.
For Bared, this event marked another step forward in that journey. One grounded in honesty, driven by innovation and supported by a community that believes in better.
And if the energy in the room was anything to go by, the next step is already in motion.