TRANSPARENCY
Brand Values.
We are a non-seasonal brand. Our aim is to cater to classic styles rather than a fleeting trend. Each piece is curated to stand alone or compliment the next to see you through all seasons and years to come.
We are not fast-fashion. Our brand values and business model is not that of a traditional one, as we do not mass produce our clothing. We align with a sustainable approach to how our products impact the environment, people and the overall state of today’s fashion industry.
We want to be the alternative for others alike. The brand that encourages people to consume less by making considered fashion choices and to wear more often.
Our Processes.
Our business model allows us to be conscious of how our clothes are made, the fabrics we source, the quantity in which we are producing them and our overall waste consumption. We make it a priority to ensure that the processes for each of these entities, are kept inline with the brands values.
Currently, all of our pieces are designed, cut and sewn by our very own founder Lea, in her home studio in London. As the brand evolves we would like to explore being produced by local machinists and eventually, a hub of in-house machinists who also love bringing RILEY & MONICA pieces to life.
As we grow, we will always be open to learning and improving ethically and sustainably, in all of our practices. Once a garment has been made, this also extends to how we reduce and dispose of its waste.
Founder, Lea has implemented a few ways as to how we, as a brand will contribute to this process. For every item we produce, we will ensure that we:
- Use intentional layout plans when cutting out each garment, to minimise the fabric that is being wasted.
- Re-use any fabric off-cuts where possible for smaller pattern pieces or fabric swatches. Where there are bigger pieces, these will be cut to 10x10 and 15x15 squares for our fabric remnant bundle boxes and available to purchase.
- Donate to local sewing/craft clubs and schools.
- Pay for any scraps we don't re-use to be recycled within the UK, by accredited recycling companies.
Conscious Fabrics.
All fabrics we use at RILEY & MONICA are sourced in the UK from established fabric suppliers with high ethical and sustainable textile standards.
In-line with our brand values, we prioritise selecting fabrics that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and/or GOTS Certified and include fibres that are natural, low-impact crops or eco friendly. It is important for us to use materials that are mindfully produced and maintained in such a way that people, nature and wildlife are consciously considered and cared for.
With this in mind, we have specifically chosen the following fabrics for their sustainable compositions but also for quality, longevity and overall comfort, ensuring that each item we produce is fit for its purpose.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Cotton
Cotton is commonly known for its soft and breathable properties. It is a very versatile fibre that is grown from the cotton plant and can be spun into woven or knitted fabrics of various thicknesses, without losing its strength.
For many of items we have selected to use a cotton double gauze fabric with a natural textured surface to it. This Oeko-Tex Cotton meets strict global safety standards as it rigorously tested for harmful substances for final product, the environment and human health.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is considered as a more sustainable version of cotton. It is grown using natural methods - free from synthetic based fertilisers and involves no pesticides which creates the growth of healthy soils. Unlike conventionally grown cotton it also needs exceptionally less water and energy to grow, making it kinder to the planet.
Linen
Produced from the fibres of the flax plant, linen is deemed to be one of the most sustainable fabrics. Known for its light, breathable compositions and resilient nature, we have carefully selected linen that has been produced in small quantities in Eastern Europe.
All dyes used on the linen we source within the UK are also GOTS certified ensuring that additional eco-friendly layer.
TENCEL™ lyocell
Tencel Lyocell is made from wood, a natural, renewable and raw material sourced from responsible and certified forests. Although, not as low-impact as other organic or recycled fabrics, the natural moisture absorbent fibres are better for the environment as they have been deemed both biodegradable and compostable.
Tencel also requires a lot less energy, water, dye and is white when produced so needs minimal to no harsh chemicals.
Eco-friendly Packaging.
We have carefully sourced what all of our clothing are packaged in and have opted for the most eco-friendly options.
All aspects of our packaging has been considered, even down to the the subtle details of using biodegradable tissue paper and eco-friendly stamp ink for our boxes. We have used natural brown cardboard boxes that can be reused or recycled. Our mailer bags are 100% degradable, include a double sealant for easier reuse or returns and will decompose within 36 months, when disposed of appropriately.
It is important for our packaging to be aesthetically aligned with our brand identity but we remain focused and committed to our brand values. Whilst we have done our best to provide the former, we have made sure to include overall sustainable form and function.