Today I’m excited to share one of my favourite clothing brands ever with you, Savannah Morrow The Label! LA based, but globally inspired, this brand has been on the sustainability waggon since their conception.
How would you describe your design style?
Bohemian and elegant. I remember I was wearing one of my pieces before I first launched and a gentleman made a comment that it was bohemian but elegant, and I always remembered that. I want to continue to create designs that are carefree but elegant.
A brand for women who wear high heels but also for women who would rather roam barefoot.
Why organic cotton and all natural dyes?
Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, leaving the soil, air and water free from contaminates that cause extreme harm to our environment and human health.
Organic cotton produces around 46% less CO2e compared to conventional cotton.
It also uses far less water to grow since organic cotton growers typically utilize rain more than irrigation. On top of all that, organic cotton growers use beneficial insects to control unwanted pests instead of relying on harmful chemicals.
Non organic cotton consumes 16% of the world’s insecticides and requires $2 Billion in pesticides each year.
Pesticides and insecticides used in cotton production contaminate the soil we use to grow crops, the air we breathe and the water we drink. The deaths of animals exposed to these contaminants is counted in the millions every year.
Global consumption of non-organic cotton releases huge amounts of greenhouse gas into our atmosphere, about 220 million tonnes a year. 1 tonne of conventional cotton fiber produces 1.8 tonnes of CO2e. The damage caused to us and the environment by growing non-organic cotton is enormous and is a real threat to us and our planet.
Naturally dying is the most eco friendly dying method. No nasty chemicals, it is literally utilizing Mother Earths plants, trees and herbs to create color. There is nothing more natural than this.
I strongly believe we were given everything on this Earth to survive and create as humans in a natural way without causing harm to our environment, animals and ourselves.
This is why I try to use natural dying over synthetic dyes when I can. We had issues bulk dying material naturally last year, and unfortunately we had to start dying some of our garments with synthetic dyes until we find a better method for naturally dying. Right now we are experimenting with new methods in India.
I love using nature to create, it is one of my greatest passions. Knowing that our garments were grown from Mother Earth and then dyed by her is quite amazing.
What has been your biggest challenges with this business so far?
Finding individuals and companies to partner with for our supply chain that hold the same values as us. I have had to travel deep across a number of countries to find the right individuals to partner with who aline with our brand. Being a “boss” I am a young petite girl mostly working with older men and women and a lot of the time in business some individuals don’t take me seriously or try and take advantage. So I’m still trying to find that fine line of being kind, but still strong and assertive.
What countries are you making the clothes in? How do you pick your seamstresses?
We are currently making garments in India, Indonesia and the USA. 90% of our production of the garments are made in LA and all of our material starting from 2020 is made in India in a small weaving village. You can read about it online here. I personally meet all of our supply teams to see their working conditions, discuss their morals and values before I determine if I want to work with them. Their values needs to align with ours. There’s a lot of greenwashing going on these days.
In your opinion, what are some good questions to ask yourself (or the company) when purchasing new clothes?
The main factors if determining if a brand is truly sustainable you could ask the questions below.
1) What fabrics and fibers they use to make their garments?
Is it synthetic e.g polyester, Lycra, spandex. or a natural fiber like organic cotton, hemp etc. Are the fabrics coming from a natural source but manmade and require chemicals E.g viscose? Research the fibers and find your own truth to what sustainability means to you. There is no structure around the word sustainability and any brand can use it as they please. Another good question, what is the before and after life impact that the product is leaving on the environment and our health?
2) Where do they source their fabrics from?
Is it mass produced? Or is it consciously bought and produced? Is the brand transparent about where they buy their fabric from?
3) Where are their products made / who is making it?
Just because it is made in a foreign third world country doesn’t mean that there is slave labour involved or that is isn’t sustainable. Just because it is made in LA does not mean it is sustainable. There is so much unsustainable and underpaid work happening in LA as well as foreign countries. The company should be able to share with you who is making the product and if the companies have certificates etc. Email them if it is not on their website.
Do you ship worldwide?
Tell us your top three tips on how to become a green eco warrior!
Research! A company can tell you their idea of sustainability and maybe it’s not your idea of what sustainability is.
Be conscious in every step you take from the little things to the big things. From wasting water at home (here’s an easy guide on calculation your water footprint), to recycling and compost and even what you eat. Plastic is a big one, try your hardest to minimize plastic usage.
Tell your friends/family how they can be more conscious. Sometimes we all need a little reminder 🙂