About the Founder & Author

Anne Hurley - Founder & Author

Founder of James&Co brands pioneering plastic-free alternatives and author of books challenging the myths of sustainable fashion.

Short Bio

Anne is an Australian business owner, author and sustainability advocate. She is the founder of James&Co, the brand originally known for vegan leather jackets and now recognised for pioneering accessories made from innovative plastic-free materials such as cork, washable paper and organic cotton.

Following a career as a lawyer and telecommunications executive, Anne turned to business after the tragic death of her son James. She founded James&Co as a way to create products that aligned with her ethical values.

In line with her career in the digital economy and products business James&Co, Anne began writing books exploring the truth behind sustainability claims in fashion, exposing misleading marketing and highlighting the urgent need to move beyond both leather and plastic-based faux leather.

Three Careers. One Constant: Writing.

Anne's career has spanned three fields — law, telecommunications and sustainability entrepreneurship — yet one element has remained constant throughout: writing.

She began her professional life as a lawyer. Analysing complex issues, applying legal principles, advocating in Courts and specialising in commercial law.

Her career later moved into the telecommunications industry during a period of rapid technological change, in particular the rollout of the National Broadbank Network (NBN) in Australia.

Anne wrote books and articles about law and teleccommunications and today writes about sustainability, materials and the environmental impact of fashion. Through books, articles and the brands she founded — James&Co, CORKSTORE and Earth Totes — she explores alternatives to leather and plastic-based materials and the future of sustainable products.

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Books and Writing

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James&Co Brands