Great Concordian: Inder Bedi, sustainable fashion and design innovator

Decisiveness and a tolerance for risk are among the hallmarks of every successful entrepreneurial journey. Just ask Great Concordian Inder Bedi, BComm 96, the innovator behind behind two popular sustainable fashion brands.

Bedi first made his name with Matt & Nat, the vegan-leather venture that he launched as an undergrad, built into a worldwide success and relinquished in 2013. The company helped establish Bedi as a sustainable-design luminary — so much so that he was named a Climate Champion at the COP 26 United Nations conference.

At BEDI Studios, he has maintained his focus on upcycled materials for Canadian-made designs.

The brand’s creative and thoughtful use of seat belts from Quebec scrap yards, used Air Canada airline seats and regenerated fishing nets have helped position it as one of the most sustainably advanced brands in the world.

In addition to the online BEDI Studios store, the brand’s creations are available through select retailers like Holt Renfrew and Simons. There are also plans to open brick-and-mortar locations in Toronto and Brooklyn in the future.

Bedi says his late father — who, days after immigrating to Montreal from India, landed a job at a company that was later acquired by General Electric — set a powerful example.

His father completed correspondence courses to become a specialized electrical engineer and further his career. This expertise eventually took him all over the world, from the Arctic to China, to assist on large-scale projects.

“His work ethic was incredible and his encouragement essential,” says Bedi. “I remember as a kid, he started to flip houses on the side and got the entire family involved with minor repairs and renovations. I was painting kitchen cabinets at the age of 4 or 5.”

Those early lessons coalesced at business school, where Bedi got the support he needed to pursue his entrepreneurial passions.

“I flourished at university,” he says. “Concordia molded me at a time in my life when I needed direction.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

The real-world approach to education. Concordia’s motto at the time — a real education for the real world — truly resonated with me. I remember being impressed by professors who brought their real-life experiences into the classroom, like my advertising professor who worked with Calvin Klein and my corporate law professor who argued a case before the Supreme Court. These practical insights made my learning experience incredibly impactful.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

One significant moment was during my last semester at Concordia when I took an entrepreneurship course. This course required us to create a business plan and seek funding, which led to the foundation of Matt & Nat. Additionally, the mentorship and advice from my professors, particularly one who encouraged me to pursue my business idea rather than continuing with further studies, were pivotal. This encouragement to take action while I was young had a profound impact on my career.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

My advice to students, especially those at the John Molson School of Business, is to become entrepreneurs. Half of my close friends from Concordia also started their own businesses and found success. The focus on real-world education played a significant role in this. Running your own business teaches you invaluable lessons. I think everyone should experience it at some point — it provides unparalleled personal growth.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

Being named one of the top 50 Concordians is a tremendous honour. Concordia has always held a special place in my heart because it provided me with direction, motivation and inspiration. I’m grateful and proud to be recognized alongside so many outstanding graduates.