Mon Coeur, an all-new sustainable childrenswear brand has been launched by New York native Louise Vongerichten Ulukaya.
When Ulukaya became a mother in 2018, she began to notice what she described as a gap in the market for sustainable children’s clothes. In fact, she felt that many of the children’s clothing brands out there that claimed to be sustainable or environmentally-friendly really weren’t either. Thus, the idea for Mon Coeur was born.
Throughout the entire journey, it was important for Ulukaya that environmentalism be top of mind. That is why the brand’s entire inaugural collection was designed and manufactured locally in Europe and was made out of upcycled materials. For example, the bulk of the production took place in Portugal, while all fabrics were sourced from Spain, France, and Italy, helping to limit emissions.
Further, all of Mon Coeur’s pieces have been spun from reclaimed organic cotton fibres. More specifically, all the fabrics are made from one of three materials: 100% recycled content post-industrial recycled cotton, recycled polyester from upcycled plastic bottles, or recycled Roica elastane.
In addition to the fabrics used, all zippers, buttons, embroideries and hangtags were derived from recycled and upcycled materials. The labels and embroideries were made out of 100% recycled polyester sourced from upcycled plastic bottles, the zippers used come from a mix of upcycled plastic water bottles and 91% content from post-consumer recycled yarn, and lastly, the paper buttons are made up of 93% recycled paper and recycled thermosetting fillers content.
Mon Coeur has also partnered with the 5Gyres Institute and 1% For the Planet, in order to help reduce plastic pollution and support communities in the broader fight against climate change.
Lastly, showcasing Mon Coeur’s devotion to social causes as much as environmental ones, the brand exclusively works with suppliers and manufacturers that uphold a strict code of conduct. Among the criteria that a supplier or factory must have in order to work with Mon Coeur are a set minimum wage and a ban on all forms of child labour.
Prices in Mon Coeur’s debut collection range from $38 to $84 USD. There are clothes for girls, boys, and infants, including bodysuits, pocket dresses, cuffed shorts, and knee patch joggers and leggings. The main colour palette used in the collection is blush pink, cream, grey, navy, green, and yellow.
All images in this article are courtesy of Mon Coeur.
