I love denim. The are more jeans in my closet than there are days of the week to wear them all. So it pains me to know that they are quite possibly one of the least ethically or ecologically-sound pieces in the wardrobe.** The toxic dyes, the water-intensive washes that are applied over and over to finish them—fashion is kind of like food in that way: the tastiest things are usually the worst for you.
A label like Kutie Protocol (above) is just what denim needs. Premium fabric, on-trend styling but textiles sourced where they are stitched and chemical-free washes that use recycled water. But there’s one catch. Kutie Protocol is strictly for kids. Lucky little buggers. Kutie Protocol is just added to the directory today.
Ian Michael Farkas, the label’s co-founder, hails from Colombia but is now settled with his wife in Sydney where they have just launched the first Kutie Protocol collection.
“Denim is troubled,” Ian Michael told me. “You often don’t know where it comes from. It could be made in India with denim from China, cotton from Pakistan. We knew that very small decisions make that difference.”
Which brings us to Kutie Protocol’s ProMICe—a social and ecological protocol, based on Moderation (less garment travel and waste), Intelligence (bringing awareness into everyday life) and Cooperation (giving back). The collection is made in the couple’s home country from materials sourced locally there. The label has ethical agreement contracts with their producers and do much to put back into the community where they are made. They are out to prove that fashion can be profitable, even if it’s ethical—that it’s not necessary for business to thrive on the misfortune of others.
“It’s not about being a tree hugger. It’s about a product that’s stylish, fun, edgy,” says Ian Micheal.
And if it’s ever about making bigger sizes, I’m first in line.
How big is Kutie Protocol’s eco? Take a look at their designer profile for more info and pictures from the collection. And click the link to their website and read their story—super cool.
** For what it’s worth, my denim collection has been accumulated over the years—haven’t actually bought a new pair for years, but if and when the time comes, there are some good options: Nobody (ethically-made), bassike (water and chemical free), AG Adriano Goldschmied (water and chemical free), Diesel’s Keever (organic dyes and paper-blend textile—don’t think they are still available in Oz, but check online) or One Teaspoon (salvaged textiles).
Hi, just doing some research for my Diesel Jeans website. Amazing the amount of information on the web. Not what I was looking for, but very nice site. Cya later.