Crazy Idea To Change The Origin Story
Do you know how your clothes began? ...The ones you’re wearing right now, assuming that you’re dressed :)
They began as an idea that required action.
Okay, you knew that, but did you know the following happens?A sketch of the apparel design with measurements is drawn.
Research is done to find the fabric of choice.
A sample prototype is sewn, and the pattern created.
A production partner is chosen to produce the garments.
All this and more goes into making your clothes.
And that doesn’t include the stories behind the land and hands that make the fibers (if natural) or manufacture the fibers (if synthetic). More on that in the next article.
Too often these stories are of poor working conditions, painfully long labor hours, exploitive working wages, chemical toxins and the list goes on.
Imbued’s origin story is the opposite. It began with my crazy idea to change the norm.
And that idea led me to where I now sit as I type this. The sew shop of Santa Margarita in a tiny tranquil town known as Elta Magdelena Abosco in Oaxaca, Mexico.
A town surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Lomas mountains where seamstress Santa Margarita and her family reside.
To the right of me, the open backdoor invites in the sun along with a mild breeze. I can smell the wood burning from the family’s outdoor cooking area. And music from the speaker plays Mexican songs as a kitten lazily naps on the ironing board.
It is here in the sew shop of Santa Margarita that I have grown fond of her and her family. They have helped me define what creating an ethical fashion brand with meaningful relationships feels like.
As I observe the ease and flow between Santa Margarita, her husband, children, brother, sister-in-law, and their children, life slows down and so does my mind.
Every time I leave the sew shop, I feel filled by their welcoming hospitality and life's simplicities.
The reciprocation of benefits from our partnership is endearing. To know that my business supports Santa Margarita’s family and her skills and kindness enrich my life.
How many clothing productions can tell a similar story? Not many I presume.
Because the origin story of Imbued's clothing is based on solid principles to do better as a business in the fashion industry. To educate myself and others from seed to sew about the humanness that goes into clothing, not just as a style but as web of transactions that you can feel really good about.
It's an assurance that you can wear when you adorn yourself in any of Imbued's new collection which Santa Margarita and I have been busy preparing.
Here's a peek!...
The new designs will be available soon in various colors...more details to come!
In the meantime, we're happy you're a part of this story. And just like any new brand, we could use your help. The #slowfashion movement involves many hands to make it move. It would be a small yet mighty act if you spread the word and shared this article with another free-spirited beauty. XO