Style Q&A: Vancouver scarf brand Abbott embraces the slow fashion movement
Credit to Author: Aleesha Harris| Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2019 19:00:02 +0000
Adopting a more sustainable approach to style can seem daunting. But, a new Vancouver brand is looking to make it easier, one sustainably made scarf at a time.
Abbott offers alpaca wool scarves crafted by artisans in Bolivia, with the idea that embracing the slow-fashion movement can indeed be done, one garment at a time.
We caught up with Sandy Manj, the brand’s founder, to learn more.
Q. For those who aren’t familiar, what is Abbott?
A. Abbott is a conscious label designed on the philosophy of taking things slow. For us, slowing down means having time to ensure sustainable practices, to give value to our partners, and to contemplate our connection with the environment. We design high-quality scarves made using alpaca wool — the finest fibre on the planet.
Q. What makes Abbott different from other brands?
A. Abbott was born out of the idea that the fashion industry needs a makeover. The current fashion business model is based on creating fast, cheap and disposable clothes. Fast fashion utilizes trend replication, rapid production, and low quality materials in order to bring inexpensive styles to the public. Unfortunately this results in harmful impacts to the environment, the people involved in its production, and ultimately our wallets. Abbott seeks to bridge this gap by daring the style conscious to equate luxury with sustainability, one item at a time.
This led us to join the slow fashion movement — a movement toward mindful manufacturing, fair labour rights, natural materials, and lasting garments. We believe that by offering our customers an ethical alternative to the mass produced items we’re giving them agency over their personal style, ensuring they receive a quality product, and are protecting our producers. In the end, we believe that fine craftsmanship, long lasting quality, and slave free labour, is the most fashionable.
Q. Who is your target customer?
A. The people who love our scarves range from the modern minimalist who may seem effortlessly stylish to the conscious shopper who invests time and money to ensure their choices reflect their passion for timeless design as well as human, animal and environmental rights, to the luxury fashionista who simply admires fine craftsmanship.
Q. Where is the collection designed/made?
A. Each scarf is designed in Vancouver and handwoven in South America by master artisans earning fair wages and living in healthy, thriving communities.
Q. Why scarves?
A. Simply because scarves are, at once, chic and utilitarian. They can add the finishing touch to an outfit, while keeping you warm. Since Canadian winters require them to be a fashion staple, we set out to offer a scarf that is luxurious, warm, and made to last. That is why we use alpaca, a fibre that is finer than cashmere and offers more warmth than goose down. If that wasn’t impressive enough, it’s also environmentally friendly and supports rural communities in South America, where the herding, shearing and weaving of alpaca fibre is a long-standing tradition, handed down from one generation to the next.
Q. What is the price range for the pieces?
A. Keeping true to our philosophy of less is more, Abbott currently offer four designs of a blanket scarf which costs $210. Keep a lookout for new designs, in various sizes and price ranges.
Q. And where can people check out Abbott designs?
A. They can visit our website, abbott.design and follow us on Instagram @abbott.design.
Q. What’s next?
A. After receiving so much love for our scarves, we’re expanding our product line to include designs for men, in addition to the release of a new collection that will showcase smaller dimensions, variety of colour and patterns.
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