In 2018, sisters Sarah Gallagher and Hannah Westergaard started Gallagher, a women’s fashion brand. Their aim since the beginning has been to provide classic fashion with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing and ethical production.
Westergaard, an art director from Chicago, handles Gallagher’s artistic branding and social media presence. Sarah, who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, designs.
The brand prides itself on eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing, promoting selective consumerism and reducing textile waste. For example, all of their products are made using natural fabrics such as viscose, hemp, and organic cotton.
“After watching the documentary ‘True Cost,’ I gained a better understanding of the horrific conditions endured by garment workers, many of whom are employed by some of the world’s most well-known brands,” Sarah said. “I was also shocked by the adverse effects the apparel industry has on the environment—second only to the oil industry. My desire is to contribute to a kinder future for fashion.”
Gallagher recently opened their first storefront at Norfolk’s Selden Market. Gallagher notes that opening during the COVID–19 pandemic created an unforeseen opportunity for building their brand.
“A lot of the fashion industry experts are saying this is the ideal time for some smaller brands to rise up, especially ones that are running very low inventory or in my case made-to-order with a few pieces in my storefront,” Sarah says. “It seems to be a unique opportunity for a business of my size.”
All images in this article are courtesy of Gallagher.
