We've just got in a small and special group from Tonlé and it has reminded me of the absolute coolness of this company. This is a designer that we felt so good buying from because from start to finish the company cares first for the earth, and the people of the earth. It's not about profit and convenience over everything else like SO much of the garment industry is.
They are a zero waste company. That's right. Zero. So what does that mean? They basically use all pre-consumer remnants for their styles, and then the left overs from that are used down to the last tiny bit (even making stuff like handmade paper). The big brand garment industry has a staggering amount of pre-consumer fabric waste/excess that is then re-sold in Cambodia--which is where Tonlé finds their fabric and then they make it their mission to use every last scrap of it.
They use all natural dyes, and use the left over dye material to fertilize their garden (did you even know that was possible?)
The clothing is all hand made in Cambodia, by a team of artisans that make each piece and everything about the process has fairness and respect in mind. Fair trade, fair wages, and all kinds of programs to support the works on their team (certain health care benefits, free lunches, vacation time and cross-skill training so employees get a chance to develop skills they are interested in and can carry out into the world should they want/need to).
Basically, everything Tonlé does as a company strives to create as little of a carbon footprint as possible, and provide the maximum amount of respect and care for its workers. The styles are so easy and versatile, and the prices are amazing. I'm crazy about all three tops we got in---they are so airy and breezy (slightly sheer) and perfect for summer and warmer months when you want nothing clinging to you but want a little coverage! The kaftan is a favorite too, again, airy and breezy--perfect for anything from dinner al fresco with friends, to pool side coverage. LOVE.
Signed, ME {lv}
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