Sustainable Collective by Convoy: Eco-Friendly and Built to Last
Being eco-friendly doesn’t stop at buying garb made from sustainable and organic fabrics. It also means being less disposable about those clothes. That’s the philosophy that Maia Andersen has when she designs Sustainable Collective by Convoy.
The Costa Mesa, Calif.–based men’s and women’s line puts a novel twist on classic items to make them stylish for seasons to come. Andersen takes functionality a step further for Summer 2008 with a dress that can be worn as a skirt. Other dresses have convertible pieces that change the look of the dress. “Certain styles can literally be three different outfits,” Andersen said. “As opposed to, ’You change your shoes, and it looks different.’ It’s really a different thing.”
Before joining Sustainable Collective by Convoy two years ago, Andersen had designed everything from women’s apparel to technical apparel to swimwear at companies including Oakley, Quiksilver, Girlstar and Roxy. After conquering the challenges of making fashionable, functional outerwear, Andersen turned her eye toward eco-friendly fabrics and manufacturing.
Convoy started as a graphics-driven men’s T-shirt and accessories line in 2003. Under Andersen’s direction, the line evolved into Sustainable Collective by Convoy, featuring men’s and women’s cut-and-sew apparel using sustainable, alternative and organic fabrics and natural plantand root-based dye techniques.
In a muted palette of blues, grays and black, men’s organic cotton T-shirts and a hemp/ organic cotton dobby striped vest can be worn throughout the year. Women’s novelty tops in draped organic cotton-tissue jersey have pleats, gathers and contrasting trim for design interest without venturing into hyper-trendy territory. Wholesale price points range from $32 to $99.
Both the men’s and women’s lines have been sold to stores such as Ambiance and Bryan Lee, both in San Francisco, and The Closet stores throughout Southern California. For more information, call (949) 548-5055.—Rhea Cortado
