Discover Wibes Here

The Brand Bio

Founders:

Aurélie Gisclon and Nicolas Raudrant

Established:

2017

Headquarters:

Nice, France

Countries of Manufacture:

France, Portugal and Côte d'Ivoire

Brand Awards:

French Design Institute's Janus Fashion Label of the Year 2018

Metropole de Nice Prize

Wibes is a high-quality, multicultural and ethical brand of sneakers founded by Aurélie Gisclon and Nicolas Raudrant. Julian, a childhood friend of Nicolas, joined the team and is now the brand's creative director and graphic designer.

Designed between Paris, France and Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, all their sneakers are made by a family-owned manufacturer in Portugal. The shoes are crafted with environmentally-friendly materials all coming from the same region in Portugal, located within 30 minutes from the manufacturer. The wax fabric the brand uses is authentic, designed and produced in the founders' hometown of Abidjan. Julian helped design the patterns on the wax fabrics, a material that he's very familiar with, back in Abidjan.

In addition to Wibes' environmental commitment, the brand is built around strong social values. They've partnered with a non-profit organisation supporting education and literacy in Côte d'Ivoire for more than 50 years. For each pair of sneakers sold, Wibes finances one day of school for a woman supported by the organisation.

Ethics and Aesthetics

Highlights from Wibes' 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
21-50% of the energy the brand uses comes from renewable sources

Sustainable Product Design

Considers social and environmental factors during the design process and product development stages
Designs its products to last and withstand many wears over the years

Ethical Sourcing of Raw Materials

Uses natural and/or biodegradable fabrics in its collections and products
Uses organic materials in its production
Uses materials that are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified
Uses recycled materials (e.g. cotton, nylon etc.)

Ethical and Sustainable Production / Manufacturing

Manufacturing and Production Processes

Sources more than 50% of its raw materials and labour with local, independent suppliers
Outsources part of its manufacturing in Portugal
Manufactures its collections and products in limited quantities, avoiding mass production

Waste Management and Recycling

Has taken steps to reduce its manufacturing waste and has targets in place to achieve this

Fur-free

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

Design and Material Innovation

Uses fabrics engineered as smart clothing, designed to withstand wear and tear and for performance enhancement, specifically anti-microbial, anti-transpiration (sweat) lining

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
Ensures safe working conditions for all employees

Fair Trade Practices

Conducts audits of its suppliers to ensure compliance with international labour standards
Suppliers pay fairly: ensures that its suppliers pay employees and subcontractors the local minimum and/or living wage
No child or forced labour: supplier/s have policies in place preventing any child and/or forced labour

Handcrafted, Artisanal

Products are handcrafted by the brand's partner artisans or manufacturers
Supports the preservation of cultural skills and techniques through handcrafted production

Charitable, Philanthropic

Has formed an alliance with a philanthropic cause supporting social and/or environmental issues, specifically the International Association of Women in Côte d'Ivoire (AIFCI in French), which has supported education and literacy in the country for more than 50 years. For each pair of sneakers sold, Wibes finances one day of school for a woman supported by the association.

Relevé Fashion in partnership with

share with you the UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by Wibes

The State of the Art

Take a peek into the world of Wibes