Sustainability Q+A with Nico Nico
NicoNico
INTERVIEW WITH SUE TSAI
FOUNDER NICO NICO
WHAT IS THE NICO NICO ETHOS?
After having my first baby, Nico, I set out with the intention to offer a contemporary aesthetic made from upcycled/organic/sustainable fabrications that are supremely soft and durable.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED, IS YOUR WHOLE TEAM THERE?
Our all woman team is based in the garment district in DTLA.
WHERE ARE THE COLLECTIONS PRODUCED? ARE YOU ABLE TO CLOSELY MONITOR YOUR PRODUCTION?
We are committed to keeping production based in Los Angeles. As a company it is important to us that NicoNico is made in the USA and maintain sewers employment. We monitor our factories on a weekly basis while in production.
WHAT WAS YOU PROCESS IN SELECTING YOUR FACTORIES AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR MANUFACTURERS ARE MEETING BEST ETHICAL PRACTICES? DO THEY HAVE ANY CERTIFICATION?
When choosing factories we look at a number of different factors. Do the sewers look content in their work environment, quality, price, production time and if the factory meets California environmental impact standards.
WHAT KIND OF FABRICS DO YOU MOST USE? ARE YOUR FABRICS GOTS ORGANIC OR OEKO-TEX CERTIFIED?
The percentage of organic and recycled fabrics vary from season to season. We’re keeping up with up-cycle and surplus fabrics as much as possible. It’s become harder as supplies are low but that’s the challenge and it’s been fun seeing what can be created when giving limitations. I feel that I’m pretty resourceful and digging in deeper has pushed my design limits and I feel more inspired.
CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US ABOUT HOW YOUR FABRICS ARE DYED?
Reactive, low impact dye all dyed in batches to reduce the dye process.
HOW DO YOU SELECT THE FABRICS YOU USE AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Locally sourced fabrics that fit into my vision for the next season’s collection.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR OVERSTOCK OF MATERIALS AND FABRIC SCRAPS?
There is very little waste in our fabrics. From samples, to production we are very mindful of not over buying needed fabrics or overproducing samples or over producing production. We also make very tight markers, so fabric scraps are minimized.
CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR PACKAGING FOR SHIPMENTS TO CUSTOMERS?
We use Eco Enclose to ship our online orders. They are an eco-friendly packaging company that supplies sustainable, biodegradable goods for shipping. We also do not individually polybag our garments due to waste!
DO YOU USE INDIVIDUAL BAGS FOR INDIVIDUAL ITEMS WHEN YOU SHIP TO RETAILERS? IF YES, ARE THEY RECYCLED AND/OR COMPOSTABLE?
We bundle all our orders, use very little plastic, minimal hangers, and nothing is individually wrapped.
DO YOU WANT TO SHARE ANYTHING ELSE WITH OUR READERS ON YOUR EFFORTS IN SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL PRACTICES?
We love what we do and recognize there is too much waste in the fashion industry. We focus on being mindful in order to Mother Earth.
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Last updated November 2021
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