The use of deadstock fabric is currently a core feature in the fabrics we use.

Deadstock fabrics are surplus fabrics, known as post-industrial waste fabrics from fashion houses and textile mills. They result from overproduction and form part of the larger issue of waste within the linear take-make-waste model of the fashion system.

Their sustainability credentials are therefore not perfect – far from it actually. Not only a by-product to such a problematic system but they also have limited or no supply chain traceability. This means we cannot guarantee the ‘where, how and who by’ of the fabrics or their environmental impact.

Whilst this is not at all ideal, our intent in working with deadstock fabrics is to do our part in reducing current fashion textile waste. By rescuing and repurposing fabric that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerated, we are not only able to reduce waste but it also means we work with fewer virgin materials. This then translates into a decreased carbon footprint that would have resulted had we produced new fabrics for our collections.

As we grow, it is our hope to continue using deadstock fabric, but only those with certifications or traceability - thereby getting the best of both worlds.

We prioritise the use of certified organic cotton in our collections.

Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton farming considers the whole eco-system, working with rather than against nature. Grown without the use of harmful chemicals and less water not only is it better for the soil but the health of the farmers, their communities and the wider environment.

Whilst we focus our use of organic cotton on those with certifications from two leading global third-party standards, due to the understandably strict criteria within these standards to ensure transparency and prevent greenwashing we are not permitted to refer to them on our labelling or product listings. Learn more about this here.

From our fabrics, to our fuse, to our buttons, where possible we use certified recycled polyester materials and post-industrial waste polyester, commonly known as deadstock fabric.

Recycled polyester (rPET) is made from recycled plastic bottles that have been removed from the ocean or diverted from landfills which would otherwise take centuries to decompose.

Whilst still petroleum based, our use of deadstock polyester and recycled polyester stems from our efforts to reduce current fashion textile waste. By rescuing and repurposing already existing materials it also lessens our dependence on virgin polyester which comes at a significant environmental cost and has a higher carbon footprint then it’s recycled polyester counterpart.

Using only certified recycled polyester from a leading global third-party standard, due to the understandably strict criteria within this standard to ensure transparency and prevent greenwashing we are not permitted to include the certification information on our labelling or refer to them on our website. Learn more about this here.

Where possible we choose to use certified fabrics that are free from harmful chemicals.

We are aware of not only the hazards such chemicals have on the environment and those making the materials, but also our customer. Therefore, we focus particular attention on using certified fabrics free from harmful chemicals in our linings or fabrics that come into direct contact with the skin.

Although the fabrics we use are certified from two global independent third-party standards, due to the understandably strict criteria within these standards to ensure the safety of the end product and prevent greenwashing we are not permitted to include the certification information on our labelling or refer to them on our website. Learn more about this here.

Our viscose lining is certified as being from responsibly managed forests.

Made from cellulose, most commonly wood pulp from trees, viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre that is biodegradable.

Although a renewable resource, every year millions of trees are cut down, often illegally, to create viscose and other fabrics meaning that the textile industry contributes to the significant issue of deforestation and its environmental consequences. This includes the release of higher greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.

That is why it’s essential to us that we use viscose that is certified from forests that are managed to meet the ecological, social and economic needs of present and future generations. It also means we can be sure that no old-growth forests have been used in the fabrics and that over time through responsible harvesting there is no net loss of forests (i.e. zero deforestation). However, as we do not hold the necessary licensing of the certification standard we are unfortunately not permitted to refer to the certification on our labelling or website. Learn more about this here.

Bemberg is our preferred lining for not only its luxe silky feel and hypoallergenic nature but most importantly its impressive environmentally friendly qualities.

A high-quality brand of cupro from Japan, Bemberg is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from cotton waste. Naturally derived it is a fully circular material being both biodegradable and compostable produced within a proprietary closed-loop system where waste and water is reused and zero emissions of waste is achieved.

From Asahi Kasei, a manufacture who places environmental as well as social sustainability at the forefront of its business, the cupro we use is a carefully considered choice. From the use of their own renewable energy supply, goals to become carbon neutral by 2050 as well as work within their communities and participation in United Nations development programmes - they are an exemplary company with an exemplary product that we are proud to use.

We design with circularity in mind and a key tenant of this is using high quality materials and trims so that our garments last longer. Sourcing from reputable suppliers who stock quality materials we put our garments to the test with comprehensive wash and wear tests to ensure our pieces not only look great on the first wear but every wear after.

The majority of our fabric and trims are sourced locally from suppliers who share a similar sustainability ethos to us. Not only does this allow us to support our local community but it means we can frequently visit our suppliers, have greater access to supply chain information and produce a smaller carbon footprint as the fabric does not need to travel great distances to us.

The care we take with our materials also extends to our packaging.

Using carbon neutral mailer bags from The Better Packaging Company, our bags are not only made from 100% ocean bound plastic pollution meaning they rescue and repurpose plastic waste that would otherwise end up polluting our oceans, but the bags themselves are reusable and recyclable.

With a reusable bespoke Florence & Fortitude box sent with each purchase, our boxes are made from more than 80% recycled post-consumer waste sourced from responsibly managed FSC certified forests.

Read more here about our Box Take Back programme here.

The reason for this is, with the exception of Bluesign we do not meet the criteria of the other certifications to either reference their names or the fact that we use their products.

To do so we are required to either hold special licensing, be an authorised system partner, have all components within our garments certified (i.e. zips, thread) and/or for every facility involved in the supply chain to be certified. That means every cutter, manufacturer or independent machinist would need to be certified by the standard. Only then can a product be rightly claimed as certified and the standard name mentioned. To be compliant with the standards criteria, it is simply not enough to make a garment from certified fabrics and then state that it is made from certified materials.

Whilst strict, this is understandably all about ensuring transparency throughout the entire supply chain and preventing misinformation being presented to the customer about a products true sustainability credentials.

So although we use certified materials, because we don’t hold the licensing, are not partners with the standards, mix certified/uncertified materials in our garments and not all companies within our supply chain are certified we cannot provide the certification information. We are a new business and with that comes limitations. Most importantly however, we are passionate about working with local and independent machinists and as no New Zealand fashion manufacturer holds the needed certifications we prioritise working with our local community rather than going offshore to certified manufacturers who could give us the referencing rights.

We nevertheless remain committed where we can to using certified materials over uncertified materials. By selecting these sustainably produced materials and not referencing the standards, it is our intention to maintain our commitment to both our community and creating sustainable products whilst adhering to the standards important requirements. Only when we are fully compliant with the standards will we reference them - so until then rest assured we take active steps in using materials at the highest of textile processing standards.

Please contact us if you have any queries about this.

Celebrating its centenary in 2022, Hawes & Freer is a New Zealand based textile and trim company in the heart of Auckland city. Specialising in high quality materials from premier world brands they are environmentally conscious carrying an extensive range of GOTS certified, OEKO-Tex certified, GRS certified and Bluesign certified materials and trims.

An Australasian company with its head office and warehouse in Auckland, Wall Fabrics specialises in deadstock fabrics.

Having worked with designers for over 30 years, they source high quality fabrics from around the world giving a second life to materials that would have otherwise been incinerated or sent to landfills.

With a particular focus on natural fibres, Wall Fabrics holds a number of certified Organic Content Standard and ZQ Merino fabrics making these sustainable fabrics locally available to designers.

Founded in 1948, Preciosa is a premier global glass manufacturer located in Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic, the European epicentre of glass making. Building upon 470 years of the regions glass making tradition, Preciosa crafts glass crystals that are not only renowned for their signature brilliance and sparkle but also meet the highest standards of quality and environmental certification.

Committed to people and planet, they place sustainability at the core of all that they do and contribute extensively to their region and communities through their Preciosa Foundation.

Using their MAXIMA stone for all our crystal pieces we are confident that their sparkle is sustainable with them being lead free, OEKO-Tex certified and from traceable and conflict-free origins.

Read more about their social and sustainability work here.

SÖKTAŞ is a Turkish based manufacturer specialising in cotton and cotton blended shirting fabrics.

With a genuine commitment to producing exceptional fabrics that are socially and environmentally responsible, they place sustainable stewardship of the biodiversity of land, soil, air and water at the forefront of all that they do. Deeply woven into the fabric of their region they contribute extensively to education and the supporting of artistic and cultural activities as well as being fully compliant with the following international standards:

- OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
- ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management System
- TS-EN ISO 9001:2008
- OEKO-Tex Standard 100
- Global Organic Standards (GOTS)
- REACH 2011

Read more about their social and sustainability work here.

Frost Textiles are an Auckland fashion apparel company with over 40 years experience working with New Zealand and Australian labels. Sourcing and developing textiles from a reliable global network of suppliers, they are experts in all things textiles.

Elsegood Silk & Fabric is a family owned and operated premium textile wholesaler based in Sydney, Australia.

Founded in 1953, they have worked with designers for nearly 70 years sourcing high quality materials from around the world. Working with mills they have long standing relationships with to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for the factory employees, the Elsegood warehouse itself is solar powered and they have initiated waste reduction initiatives recycling approximately 90% of all their packaging.

Oceania Accessories are an Auckland based trim specialist who have been working with New Zealand and Australian designers for over 15 years. With an extensive range of certified recycled and OEKO-Tex products, we source a number of our certified buttons from this local supplier.

Established in 1934 in Tokyo, YKK is a trusted worldwide manufacture of fastening products with it being most widely known for its zippers.

Guided by the philosophy of its founder Tadao Yoshida, the ‘Cycle of Goodness’ - the idea that 'no one prospers without rendering benefit to others’ - leads their sustainability work.

Working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as part of their Sustainability Vision 2050 they aim to become carbon neutral as well as having set key targets addressing climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management and respect for people.

Using their zips in all of our pieces we are not only assured of their long-lasting quality but as the zippers are made to order we can limit our waste by only ordering according to our specific quantities.

Read more about their social and sustainability work here.