We are committed to creating clothing sustainably, not just for the planet, but also for ourselves and every other actor involved in its creation along the way.
Here is how we do our small part:
☆ High vibration clothing ☆
MADE IN FRANCE
All of our products are sustainably and ethically made in Nice - also known as "Nissa la bella" - a colorful, rich, and inspiring city located between the French Alps and the Mediterranean Sea in the far southeast corner of France. It is situated not far from the Italian border, the country to which it belonged until 1860.
Our team of skilled artisans, comprised of both men and women, pour their hearts and expertise into crafting the clothes you purchase from us. Working in a light-filled, spacious atelier, they share laughter and greet us every day with warmth and smiles, taking immense pride in their craft.
The passion and positive energy we infuse into every piece of our clothing is tangibly felt when you receive a Vieilles Âmes item.
Nice captured by @azure_album
☆ USE WHAT EXISTS ☆
DEADSTOCK FABRICS
Fabric is one of our greatest passions and is actually the starting point for everything we do. Rather than designing pieces and then trying to find suitable fabric, we design into the fabric that inspires us.
At Vieilles Âmes, we prioritize sustainability in the materials that we choose. Instead of producing new fabrics each season, we exclusively work with unique, high-quality deadstock fabrics, mostly sourced from secret warehouses in Italy. These fabrics were originally intended for destruction, but we relish the challenge of discovering hidden treasures and transforming them into timeless pieces that can be worn for years to come. Our creations are not only relevant today, but will also stand the test of time well into the future.
☆ KEEP IT UNIQUE ☆
LIMITED QUANTITIES
All of our pieces are created in small batches with limited quantities. This is done to reduce overproduction, useless stock, and inevitable waste. For styles that sell out, we always re-cut if possible, in order to finish a given stock and close the circle of production.
Moreover, our pieces are completed with rare vintage trims sourced from old merceries in France, which adds a special touch to each item. These exclusive trims, in combination with the limited number of pieces of any given style in the world, enable us to provide our customers with a piece that is almost as unique as they are.
Starting in September 2023, we will be implementing a pre-order system for all new items. Although minimal today, this system will inform our production and help reduce any surplus stock.
☆ go natural ☆
MATERIALS
We are mindful of a fabric's composition and tend to choose natural materials such as cotton, cotton denim, silk, and wool, or semi-synthetics like viscose, lyocell, and cupro. However, due to the significant evolution of the textile industry, materials such as silk and certain types of cotton have become almost inaccessible, while polyester has increased in quality and come to dominate the market. As we work with existing materials, part of our collection inevitably includes high-grade polyester or polyester blends. This sometimes works better for a particular style and, contrary to public opinion, need not necessarily be looked down upon.
The ecological and ethical impact of each fabric varies depending on the specific case. As designers, our primary concern is creating smart, durable, and comfortable clothing that feels amazing to wear and will last for years to come. Ultimately, having a discerning eye (which can only come from years of experience) is what makes the difference in terms of quality. The environmental impact of a fabric once it has been produced is more linked to the way we care for it once it has been made into a garment.
Stay tuned for our blog Inside Out where we will delve into these confusing sustainability topics in more detail!
