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The Brand Bio

Founder:

Olesya Nazarova

Established:

2018

Headquarters:

Switzerland

Countries of Manufacture:

Italy, Romania and Lithuania

Rocket scientist turned business founder Olesya Nazarova dreamed of having more time to live her most stylish life while juggling work and being a mum. As she rushed to get dressed each day, her favourite dresses always seemed to be waiting patiently to be ironed or taken to the dry cleaner. Thus, Appareal was born.

Working with innovative fabrics, the Appareal range is crafted to eliminate the need for dry cleaning, helping to avoid the harmful environmental impact associated with the process. Olesya's mission is for no woman to ever feel under-dressed because she didn't have time to iron her outfit or pop into the dry cleaners to have it pressed. Her goal is to make sure you have a spring in your step and feel beautiful every day, not just on special occasions.

Appareal collections are ethically made in audited European factories. As much as possible, Appareal sources its fabrics from suppliers that rely on solar power. The brand also uses recycled fabrics, such as Econyl®, as well as Oeko-Tex certified fabrics whenever possible.Appareal challenges norms in female fashion on multiple levels, reapplying techniques used to make high-tech fabrics for sports and car interiors and thus opening up a world of design possibilities.

Ethics and Aesthetics

Highlights from Appareal's environmental, social, and personal commitments

Environmental Commitments

Environmental Conservation Efforts and Practices

Has sustainability progress targets and policies in place to achieve these
Uses water respectfully and aims to reduce its water consumption
Uses water systems designed to minimise water consumption and educates its staff on best practices for water conservation
More than 50% of energy used comes from renewable sources
Energy efficiency: takes steps to reduce energy usage, increase energy efficiency and educates its staff on best practices
Factories used are designed and built for environmental conservation and efficiency

Ethical Sourcing of Raw Materials

Raw materials originating from nature are sourced from sustainably managed ecosystems
Ensures responsible and ethical sourcing policies are implemented within its supply chain
Uses natural and/or biodegradable fabrics in its collections and products
Uses organic materials in its production
Sources raw materials from accredited programs, including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, Woolmark certified or Mulesing-free
Uses recycled materials, including polyester, cotton, nylon and down

Sustainable Marketing and Packaging Materials

Uses environmentally-friendly packaging materials made from recycled, recyclable, FSC and/or PEFC certified materials
Packaging materials are designed to be reused, recycled and/or upcycled
Does not include any single-use plastic in its packaging

Sustainable Product Design

Considers social and environmental factors during the product design process and development stages
Designs products according to an established sustainability benchmark, including Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and GOTS
Designs its products to last and withstand many wears over the years, tested for #30Wears
Designs its products to be recycled or reused
Implements product lifecycle management and holistic design solutions

Animal-friendly, Cruelty-free

Ensures that animal-based materials are from cruelty-free suppliers that track animal welfare
No endangered species: does not use materials or substances from species listed as endangered by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Angora-free: does not use angora in its supply chain
Ethical sourcing of feathers: only uses recycled down

Ethical Production

Manufacturing and Production Processes

Outsources its manufacturing within Europe, to Italy, Lithuania, Romania and soon Portugal
Works with recognised ethical manufacturers that are labor certified SA8000, ISO 14001
Manufactures its collections and products in limited quantities, avoiding mass production
Practices eco-friendly screen printing and dyeing in the development of its fabrics
Practices digital textile printing to minimise wastage
Has systems in place to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions
Ensures its suppliers monitor any possible toxic chemicals in production and uses Oeko-Tex® certified textiles

Waste Management and Recycling

Optimises its design and production to minimise fabric and material waste

Fur-free

Does not, and has never, used any and all types of animal fur in its collections or any products

Design and Material Innovation

Involved in the development of innovative, sustainable fabrics, including recycled nylon, cotton, polyester and down
Uses fabrics engineered as smart clothing, designed to withstand wear and tear and for performance enhancement, such as anti-microbial fabrics
Sources and uses innovative and sustainable fabrics, including Econyl and Thindown recycled for its collections and products

Personal and Social Commitments

Good Corporate Governance

Fair pay: All employees and subcontractors are paid the local minimum and/or living wage
Committed to and has policies/standards in place to ensure responsible labour practices and conditions (e.g. Code of Conduct)
Equal employment: ensures its hiring and employment practices do not, in any way, discriminate
Gender equality: implements a gender equal pay policy
Has policies in place to support and promote diversity and inclusion
Ensures safe working conditions for all employees
Employees are incentivised to achieve environmental and social progress
Provides training to artisans that are part of its supply chain

Product Safety Assurance

Uses materials that are Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® certified or REACH certified

Fair Trade Practices

Conducts audits of its suppliers to ensure compliance with international labour standards
Has a policy in place that requires knowledge of its suppliers' social and environmental practices
Suppliers pay fairly: ensures that its suppliers pay employees and subcontractors the local minimum and/or living wage
Ensures no child or forced labour: has policies in place preventing any child and/or forced labour throughout its entire supply chain

Traceable Supply and Manufacturing Chain

Has policies and systems in place to maintain knowledge of and manage relationships within its supply chain

Handcrafted, Artisanal

Products are handcrafted by the Brand's partner artisans and manufacturers

Charitable

Donates a portion of its profits to The Circle (WIP)

Relevé Fashion in partnership with

share with you the UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by Appareal

The State of the Art

Take a peek into the world of Appareal