There is a growing movement towards ethical fashion and eco-conscious living in a world filled with fast fashion and mass-produced clothing. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their purchasing decisions' environmental and social impact, seeking brands prioritising sustainability and fair trade practices. Locally made sustainable brands are at the forefront of this movement, offering unique and high-quality products that are good for the planet and the communities they operate. From organic fabrics to up-cycled materials, these brands are revolutionising the fashion industry by embracing transparency and reducing carbon footprint. Join us as we delve into the secrets behind our inspiring brand, uncovering our innovative approaches to design, manufacturing, and consumer engagement. Discover how you, too, can support ethical fashion and positively impact the world while looking stylish and feeling good about your choices.
Made locally in Manchester
At Sarvin, our top priority is our value of "Made Locally." We strongly believe in promoting a more sustainable approach to clothing creation and consumption, as the fashion industry significantly impacts the environment. Our process involves supporting local economies and small businesses by encouraging people to buy less and wear their clothes more often. We firmly believe that modern luxury should be socially and environmentally responsible, and we ensure that our materials come from ethical sources and that our workers are treated fairly. This way, we can provide our customers with highly sustainable clothing they can enjoy for years.
Small Team
We proudly declare that Sarvin is a genuine British brand, born in Huddersfield and currently headquartered in Manchester. Rest assured that every Sarvin garment is produced ethically and under safe working conditions. Our Manchester dressmakers team is well-compensated and dedicated to creating our finest quality collections.
Our close-knit team based in Manchester designs and manufactures most of our collections in-house, ensuring we can oversee every aspect of the process from design to distribution. This guarantees premium quality and reduces carbon emissions caused by long-distance and international shipping.
Sourcing Fabrics
At Sarvin, we are dedicated to finding fabric suppliers and manufacturers who share our values in the UK and globally. While we have always strived to produce all our collections in the United Kingdom, we made some concessions for our latest Eco-Friendly collection.
To maintain our commitment to animal welfare, we sourced the best silk alternatives available, which led us to a fabric supplier in Turkey. Working with them, we created a silk substitute that met our high standards. The result was a fabric made from recycled cotton linters, a waste product from the textile industry. Unfortunately, the technology and methods used to develop this substitute are unavailable in the UK.
To combat waste, we have started up-cycling our scrap fabrics; an example is our MINU scarf. MINU is created from our sustainable silk-like fabric scraps; its print was designed by a Persian artist, Ali Fani Salek. Scarves are such a simple way to reduce waste since they require minimal fabric.
Another sustainable choice we made was in 2020; we launched our Young Designer X Zero Waste project. Partnering with young creatives across Manchester and the North West, the project aims to improve access to our industry and encourage the next generation of designers to adopt sustainable design practices.
Once invited to the Sarvin Manchester studio, we gave designers a chance to select fabrics from our studio and factory off-cuts and waste. The mission: use these fabrics to create their own collections of accessories and a new range of bespoke Sarvin off-cut designs.
Here is a short background about our fabric supplier:
Our fabric supplier produces stunning polyester textiles using recycled polyester made from plastic bottles. They transform the bottles into yarns and achieve Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certification for their high-quality, silky fabrics. The company is the world's first V-Labeled fabric manufacturer, and its yarns are certified by the European Vegetarian Union to meet the Vegan V-Label and European Vegetarian Label standards.
Our ultimate aim is to manufacture Sarvin entirely in the United Kingdom. This approach is beneficial for both the local economy and the environment.
Values:
Support companies who share your beliefs and use their position to benefit the community;
Sarvin asked upcoming designers to collaborate in 2020. One of our efforts to reduce waste is to use this event to up-cycle our unused cloth.
Commitment:
Research the materials used in your clothing;
We always use eco-friendly fabrics where we can. Our eco-friendly silk-like material gives the same luxurious feel as natural silk however is a more environmentally friendly substitute.
Durability and Longevity:
Check the quality of the brand's products. Are they well-made and designed to last?
We prioritise durability and offer repair and recycling services to extend the lifespan of our garments.
Materials:
Embrace slow fashion;
Participating in the slow fashion movement starts with creating a capsule wardrobe and prioritising quality over quantity when you shop.
Quality:
Ensure brands are transparent about their supply chain;
Within the sustainability commitments of high-street firms, this is frequently disregarded. Consciously shopping also means backing the humane treatment of animals and, in some situations, employees. The brand's care for its supply chain can be seen through certifications like Fairtrade.
Transparency:
Ensure you understand your purchasing decision's processes, materials, and ethics;
Through doing this, we all have the power to leave a positive impact on the world.