BC Business
Eco-minded Victoria clothiers transform salvaged fabric into new apparel
SPICE ROAD The reds, pinks, greens and golds of silk saris are repurposed into women’s attire at Chai Fashions. Owner Lindsay Jones up-cycles textiles from Indian wholesale markets, turning the fabric into light, comfortable, colourful dresses, blouses and pants sold at three locations in Victoria.
WARM AND FUZZY Paul Long of Anian Clothing also reworks material from overseas; the company transforms wool from discarded suits and sweaters obtained in Italy into functional, casual apparel manufactured in Vancouver. In 2019, Long estimates, Anian will save 30 short tons of cloth from landfills.
PRECIOUS METALS (Ag)+(Au) Clothing (Silver and Gold Clothing) creates its sleek, urban fashions using plant-based textiles and excess stock from large factories. Offering a nearly plastic-free collection, owner Kaitlin Martin says even the buttons are green; they’re made from the seed of ivory palms. Martin works with manufacturers in Vancouver and at a women-run, ethical facility in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that welcomes visitors.
PAY IT FORWARD Click on a piece of travel-friendly clothing on L/L Supply‘s website, and you’ll see where it was made, what it’s made from and what environmental initiative the wearer will support by purchasing it. The company, founded by Jeff Duke, sources fabric from the surplus of other brands to create its small-batch garments, donating a portion of sales to the Living Oceans Society.