Guest Spotlight : Interwoven Collective
Last Fall we got some behind-the-scenes footage of Interwoven Collective during one of their beautiful branding shoots at Lumen Room Austin and we were really drawn to their mission. We wanted to learn more about what it means to run an ethical fashion business so we interviewed Mallory, Interwoven Collective’s founder.
Here’s what Mallory had to say:
Tell us a bit about how Interwoven Collective got started.
Interwoven Collective was born out of my frustration as a consumer. After watching the documentary, True Cost, I learned that most of the fashion industry operates in a way that hurts women just like me across the globe. Of the 40+ million women employed to manufacture our fashion goods, 98% of them do not earn a living wage, often being paid just a few cents per clothing item. Yet I found myself unable to alter my habits to support ethical business practices as ethical options were limited, expensive, and a few years behind relevant style trends. So I started Interwoven, which uses the same far reaching supply chains of fashion to instead create accessories that are accessible to American women and help lift Ethiopian women above the poverty line.
What is one product or service Interwoven Collective couldn't live without?
The right photographer and copywriter! Both with our visual and written story, it's important to find someone passionate who gets the brand and has the vision for what it can become. Our friend and photographer, Mackenzie Smith helped us elevate our brand aesthetic so much at our Lumen Room shoot in Austin. She helped us capture an editorial style that still felt accessible while highlighting the incredible talent of our artisan partners. Our friend Caroline Kidd of KC creative did the same, pairing the visuals with passionate prose, conveying our seriousness about our mission and our commitment to make everyone feel welcome to be a part of the magic.
What is your favorite product in your store and why?
The Everyday Tote! I'm a sucker for a quality leather bag and I got to control everything about the design to create a statement piece that felt bold, yet minimal and functional enough for everyday use. While the bold two-tone color may seem like a design choice, it also hides the many spills that happen in my tote. I've had mine for two years now and it's only gotten better with wear.
How can buyers distinguish ethical fashion from the rest?
Know your terms and the difference between "ethical" and "sustainable". A brand can advertise a "sustainable" organic cotton t-shirt for $9.99 that still came from a sweatshop. Here the brand considered the environment, sustainability, but not ethics, the fair and dignified treatment of people behind its product. If it's not advertised as ethical, then it definitely is not ethically manufactured. And if a brand claims to be "ethical" do a little digging to see if they are legit or just faking. When a brand publishes their lowest wages, lists it's manufacturing sources and highlights their partners it's a safe bet that your purchase is helping to leave the world a little more just and fair.
What is the wisest business decision you've made?
When I first launched Interwoven I was obsessed with making it all happen myself, copy, photography, design, marketing, everything. Once I started to pursue collaboration and partnerships with people and brands who are experts in their field, I saw the brand develop and grow a lot more. While the "solopreneur" term may seem cool, I've found so much more joy in "making more room at the table" for people in America to bring their gifts and talents to further our mission abroad.
Do yourself a favor and check out Interwoven Collective for stunning pieces that make a difference. Thank you Mackenzie Smith for the gorgeous photos captured at
Lumen Room Austin.