Q&A with Bonnie Stanley, Founder of Starch Living: The Journey Behind Luxury Textiles

We sat down with Bonnie Stanley, the founder of Starch Living, to learn more about what has driven her business over the past two decades. From her commitment to quality craftsmanship to a strong belief in sustainability, Bonnie shared insights into how Starch Living became the premier name in luxury linens and textiles.

Q: Bonnie, Starch Living has been a staple in the luxury textile industry for over 20 years. What sets your brand apart?

Bonnie:
What sets Starch Living apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and intentional design. We don’t believe in cutting corners or chasing trends. From the very beginning, we decided to focus on natural fibres like linen, cotton, silk, wool, and cashmere, no synthetics, no compromises. This philosophy runs through everything we do, from the fabrics we source to the pieces we create.

Our products are crafted with the finest Italian-milled fabrics, woven with care by skilled artisans in Italy’s most respected mills. After that, everything is brought to Johannesburg, where it’s sewn, finished, and tailored by a team of artisans. By keeping the process local, we maintain full control over quality and ensure every piece meets the highest standards. It’s a rare combination of global excellence and local mastery.

Q: How does your choice of materials reflect your values?

Bonnie:
Our choice of materials is deeply rooted in our values of sustainability and longevity. We only use natural fibres, such as linen, cotton, silk, and wool, all of which are biodegradable and gentle to both the skin and the planet. These fibres are sourced from certified European mills that follow strict environmental regulations. No polyester, no microplastics, and no greenwashing here, just honest, earth-friendly fibres.

Additionally, our Italian weaving partners use low-impact dyes and operate under EU environmental and labour laws, ensuring that every fabric we use is as sustainable as it is luxurious. Our clients know that when they choose Starch Living, they are investing in true, traceable luxury with a conscience.

Q: Can you tell us more about the process of crafting these luxurious textiles?

Bonnie:
It’s all about the craftsmanship. Our textiles are woven in Italy using traditional looms that allow for custom warp and weft settings, creating rich, textured fabrics. Once the fabrics arrive in Johannesburg, they’re cut, sewn, and finished by hand by skilled South African artisans in our design studio. Every piece is hand-finished with details like French seams, custom piping, and we treat our designs and prototyping like couture. 

We don’t believe in mass production. Instead, each item is crafted in small batches or made-to-order, ensuring that every piece gets the attention it deserves. Our small-batch production gives us the freedom to experiment with new fabrics, test them, and ensure they meet our standards, while preserving the integrity of each piece. This is not about quantity; it’s about quality and longevity.  We never have rejects or seconds as we dont manufacture like fast fashion. 

Q: Starch Living is known for its focus on sustainability. How do you approach this in your business?

Bonnie:
 Sustainability is not a trend for us; it’s at the core of everything we do. Our clients demand it too. We focus on natural fibres, which are biodegradable and come from renewable sources. We also ensure that every fabric is responsibly sourced from certified Italian mills that minimise water usage, use low-impact dyes, and comply with strict environmental and labour regulations.  its not a great business model! Our products last! 

We also prioritise local production in Johannesburg, which means we can reduce shipping emissions, create meaningful jobs, and maintain tighter quality control. Our small-batch, on-demand production model helps reduce overproduction and waste, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced world of mass manufacturing.

Finally, we take a minimal waste approach: offcuts are repurposed into swatches, scent sachets, and even sewing kits. We also ensure that all packaging is recyclable and eco-friendly, aligning our values with our production processes.

Q: What kind of impact do you think your brand has had on your clients over the years?

Bonnie:
Our clients care deeply about how things feel, how they last, and how they’re made. After listening to our customers over the years, we’ve learned that they appreciate the longevity of our products; they don’t want to buy something that will wear out after a season. Instead, they want quality that will endure, something that adds luxury and comfort to their everyday lives.  Our trade clients come to us because they are looking for quality fabric, specified for their required application; they know the value of buying quality fabrics, and they come to us for a reason. 

I think we’ve helped redefine what it means to buy luxury. It’s not about overindulgence or excess; it’s about buying once, buying well, and enjoying it for years. Our clients are people who understand that you get what you pay for, and that’s exactly why we do things the way we do. We aren’t interested in following trends; we’re focused on creating products that last and age beautifully.

Q: With all this attention to detail, how do you ensure that Starch Living maintains its exceptional standard of luxury?

Bonnie:
At Starch Living, we control every step of the process, from sourcing the fibres to the final delivery of the product. This means that we can ensure the highest quality control, offer bespoke services like colour matching, custom sizing, and monogramming, and provide an unmatched level of craftsmanship that is rare in the industry.

What makes us different is that we don’t chase mass production; we focus on timeless luxury and craftsmanship that’s built to last. Our clients know that when they choose Starch Living, they are investing in something unique, crafted with passion, integrity, and purpose.

Closing Thoughts: The Starch Living Philosophy

Starch Living is built on the belief that luxury is about more than just opulence; it’s about thoughtful design, exceptional quality, and sustainability. We’re not here to create the most products; we’re here to create the best.

By staying true to our values of ethics, quality, and craftsmanship, we’ve created a brand that is transparent, authentic, and responsible. Our products are not just for today, they’re made for generations to enjoy. At Starch Living, we don’t just craft textiles; we craft experiences, making every moment in your home feel just a little bit more luxurious. We have wonderful relationships with our clients; they are all returning clients. I love the process and working on amazing projects; it's an absolute joy and honour for me!