Claire Manor Portfolio

Sustainable Style: More Than Just a Trend

Published by SEEN Media at SEENTHEMAGAZINE.COM

April 28, 2021

“Jewelry made from salvaged car parts, upcycled leather wallets, naturally dyed scarves — shop stylish and sustainable items from these Metro Detroit-based shops”

By Claire Manor

Featured photo via studiovariously.com

Mend On The Move

Founded by sexual abuse survivor Joanne Ewald, West Bloomfield-based Mend on the Move has a dual mission: to employ and empower other women who’ve been victimized by sexual abuse, and turning salvaged auto parts and car-seat leather into beautiful jewelry and accessories. Support this amazing company and their talented creators by checking out their store now!

Not Sorry Goods

Like its name suggests, Not Sorry Goods is all about looking, feeling and doing good — no apologies necessary. With a passion for sustainable fashion, co-founders Dy-Min Johnson and Jessica Minnick center their brand around upcycled and vintage items. They also avoid excess inventory with made-to-order pieces, use recycled-material packaging, and carry eco-friendly local brands. Support NSG’s mission to reduce their eco-footprint by checking out some of their items here.

INFKNIT

INFKNIT was founded in 2018 by Olivia Miller and Jackie Smythe after the pair studied sustainability and entrepreneurship in Costa Rica. All their apparel and accessories are made ethically in Detroit with sustainable fabrics, and they use a process that reduces waste during production. Bonus: Many of their tees, shorts and dresses are reversible, which allows customers to wear them multiple ways — thereby reducing the need for a larger wardrobe.

Pingree Detroit

Pingree Detroit is a footwear and accessories company with handmade products created from upcycled leather and other recycled materials. (The company’s name is recycled, too: It’s continuing the legacy of The Pingree and Smith Shoe Company started by Hazen S. Pingree more than 100 years ago.) By 2023, Pingree is committed to sourcing most of its materials from Michigan, as well as having zero carbon emissions, and offering military-grade, fossil-free, plant-based alternatives to leather and plastic.

Object Apparel

Object Apparel founders Mike Sklenka and Mollie Decker are using their backgrounds in art and architecture to create quality, environmentally conscious clothing. All of the Detroit-based company’s items are made with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic fabrics, as well as natural dyes and non-toxic inks. The products are also designed, patterned, cut, dyed, sewn, and screen-printed in Detroit and shipped using plastic-free packaging. Update your wardrobe with some of our favorite pieces!

Variously

Variously is a sustainable brand and design studio started by Anjali Purohi, who was born and raised in India and now calls Michigan home. The company offers everything from cashmere scarves and throw blankets to silk pillows and wool rugs — all handmade by third- or fourth-generation artisans, including heritage weavers, specialty dyers and heritage printers. All products use Earth-friendly dyes that conserve water and don’t contain toxic chemicals. When she’s not working on her brand, Purohi — who has created collections for Pottery Barn and design houses in Italy — teaches textiles at Wayne State University.