TRANSPARENCY
Brand Values.
RILEY & MONICA is a non-seasonal, slow made brand designed to bring timeless, quality and unfussy essentials to an everyday wardrobe. Our aim is to cater to classic styles rather than a fleeting trend or season. Each piece is curated to stand alone or compliment the next to see you through all seasons and years to come.
We are not a fast-fashion brand. 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 make considered fashion choices by wearing often and consuming less.
Our Processes.
Our slow, handmade to order 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 Carleen, 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 about being better ethically and sustainably in all of our practices and once a garment has been made, this also extends to how we reduce and dispose of its waste.
Founder, Lea Carleen 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 scraps where possible for smaller pattern pieces or fabric swatches. Where there are bigger scraps, these will be cut to 10x10 squares for our fabric remnant bundle boxes and available to purchase [insert a link 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.
Sustainable Fabrics.
All fabrics we use at RILEY & MONICA are sourced from established fabric suppliers with high ethical and sustainable textile standards, based mainly here in the UK.
In-line with our aim to minimise the environmental impact of our clothing, we prioritise selecting fabrics that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and/or GOTS Certified and include fibres that are natural, low-impact crops or environment 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.
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 double gauze fabric with a natural textured surface to it. This fabric may shrink a little due to its cotton fibres and looser weave. However, this is usually very minimal after each wash. Due to its fine double layers and relaxed weave it also becomes fluffier and softer over time.
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 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, ensuring they are kinder to the environment and reduce waste.
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 and whilst we have done our best to provide the former, we have made sure to include overall sustainable form and function.