The newest and freshest outerwear brand currently on the market that you need to have on your radar is Vancouver-based Adhere to Studios.
Launched in October of last year, Adhere to Studios champions low-impact outerwear with the use of recycled materials, ethical manufacturing and a low-carbon supply chain.
Intended to be made for everyone and designed to perform, Adhere to Studios’ outerwear doesn’t compromise on quality or aesthetics and has longevity in mind.
To learn more, Setting Mind interviews Alexandra Dean, founder and lead designer of Adhere To Studios.
Setting Mind: Why outerwear? Why not something easier such as a t-shirt?
Alexandra Dean: I have always been drawn to the complexity of outerwear which also transpired through my experience working as an outerwear designer at lululemon. I noticed a bit of a gap in the market with the combination of sustainability, functionality and contemporary aesthetics into one brand.
What is the origin/inspiration for the brand name “Adhere To Studios”?
The name is derived from a couple of ideas. One is the brand and one with consumerism. The brand focuses on low-impact processes and materials, adhering to a higher standard of ethical supply chain structure and product quality.
With us also being consumers, we adhere to a higher awareness and consciousness of what we wear and the quality of apparel we buy/where it comes from.
Why are your products expensive? Is it because sustainable/eco-friendly products cost more to produce?
The one downfall of using high-quality recycled materials, ethical and premium suppliers, and function constructions (i.e. seam-sealing for waterproof) paired with customized trims- is it adds to the cost. I didn’t want to take any shortcuts when it came to the material quality or supply chain when I was sourcing everything for the brand.
Every fabric/all down feathers used is 100% recycled, and every trim (aside from the metal) is 100% recycled (even the thread used). Each supplier is certified with either or all Bluesign®, Global Recycled Standard, OEKO-TEX®, Higgs and WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)- which are all social and/or environmental compliances and standards. Also, producing small batches does incur higher costs of materials and surcharges with mills/garment factories.
Why even use sustainable/eco-friendly materials for your products in the first place? Why is it important for you and your brand to be eco-minded?
In this day and age, I don’t think there is another option when creating products, especially products from scratch. There are many viable options available instead of virgin materials.
One benefit of starting a brand from the beginning is being able to completely solidify the supply chain and keep the supplier list narrow. Smaller brands of course benefit from this flexibility where it can be a more complex journey for a well-established large brand.
In terms of design, what category/style does it fit in?
The styles have a more contemporary design but the functionality of a technical product. I really wanted to offer a product with function, that didn’t appear completely teched out. The product I’ve designed and developed offers you the same warmth or waterproofness as some other the leading active tech brands out there. I wanted to offer styles that you can wear anywhere- and you feel good while wearing them.
How did working at lululemon for over 8 years influence your design?
I started working in men’s garment development (focused on the construction/prototyping and working with factories) then evolved into design. Working in a construction-focused role allowed me to branch out as a designer and really develop a love for complex constructions, design and techniques. When I moved into women’s outerwear design, my boss really allowed me to push the boundaries and think critically- which I feel translates into the work I do today.
What’s the future for “Adhere To Studios”?
We hope to gain more recognition, continue to create beautiful functional products, and expand through North America, Europe and Australia. We are currently working on a few accessories, which use the excess/leftover materials from our production to create.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
To shop for Adhere To Studios’ outerwear, visit their website.
All images in this article are courtesy of Adhere To Studios.
