Get To Know: Frank Eribo and Philippe Homsy, cofounders of LØCI shoes

LØCI is a sustainable and ethical footwear brand that produces vegan shoes using recycled ocean plastic. Each pair removes 20 plastic bottles from the world’s seas, and 10% of all profits are donated to charities that work to protect endangered marine life. All the plastic is sourced from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast of Africa. 

After launching in 2020, LØCI now counts Gwyneth Paltrow, Will Smith and Dwayne Johnson as fans.

We catch up with Frank Eribo and Philippe Homsy, the cofounders of LØCI, to discuss how and why they created the sustainable brand with Frank's brother and their friend.

What was the inspiration behind launching LØCI?
One of our founders is a diving enthusiast, who has seen the damage caused to our oceans and marine life first hand. Having been in the footwear industry for a few years, we realised that 70% of shoes produced in the US are made with animal products. We wanted to create a premium vegan alternative, where customers wouldn’t have to compromise on style or quality.

Have you noticed a trend or shift in purchasing within fashion since the pandemic?
Yes, we’ve seen a change with regards to how people shop, especially with the growth of online buying. However, I believe consumers are also becoming more conscious about the environment, and educating themselves on the origins of the products they’re purchasing.

What advice would you give to anyone who would like to incorporate sustainability into their brand? 
It depends on the size of the brand, but it starts with the materials you use. Technology has and will continue to play a huge part in their evolution. There’s never been more alternative options or ways to reuse non-biodegradable materials, it just requires a bit more thought and time to source.

What are some of the challenges you have faced? 
At the start, sourcing was an issue because we had to be 100% sure that our materials were sourced correctly, while also ensuring the working conditions in our factory were above industry standards. Another challenge is implementing our made-to-order process. Nowadays, customers want their items instantly, but we’ve found that they’re willing to wait if they’re informed during the purchasing experience.

How do you envision LØCI growing? 
We plan to grow organically, while donating 10% of our profits to charities that help to conserve our oceans and rescue marine life. Our goal is to produce sustainably, so LØCI shoes are made to order, which reduces our waste massively.

What are your three favourite brands? 
Allbirds, Patagonia and TOMS, among others, but those are the first that come to mind.

LØCI are offering a 15% discount to Soho House members across all their products. Check out lociwear.com and use the code Soho15 at the checkout to receive your discount.