Francisco is the heart, soul and face of the brand REMESALT. He is the designer and the maker with a great set of skills. He produces locally, mostly in his atelier in Berlin and with the help of local sewists. Germany’s strict ethical workplace laws guarantee fair working conditions and a living wage. Smaller lines of a single size are produced by sewists in Stettin, Poland. He is in close contact with that facility but does not mention any specific social certifications. However, the local production allows for regular visits.
The creations for REMESALT are made of twill, jacquards and jerseys from fibres such as viscose, cotton, polyester, TENCEL™ and a small amount of recycled wool from Italy. The majority of the fabrics are non-certified or certified without specifications. Francisco is sourcing through wholesale suppliers from the Netherlands, making it hard to track the raw material’s origin or calculate emissions along the supply chain. He stated that brocade is one of his favourite materials, purchasing it from a French OEKO TEX 100 manufacturer that only produces on demand to avoid over-production. Although most materials in his designs are conventional and uncertified, more than 50% are recyclable mono-materials, significantly minimising their environmental impact. Because Francisco buys only small quantities of high-quality materials, he can guarantee that no resources are wasted.
Due to the intractability of the materials, it is hard to evaluate the chemicals used or released into the environment. Since everything is bought from European distributors, we assume the fabrics comply with European REACH regulations.
Francisco is working with an OEKO TEX-certified printing partner. The materials are digitally printed, which minimises the volume of water and ink used.
The e‑commerce and supply chain packaging is made from cardboard.
REMESALT’s clothing consists of more than 50% mono-material, making it partly recyclable. Francisco successfully reduces waste by donating all of his fabric scraps to the equally talented artist Muriel Gallardo Weinstein, who turns them into stunning art.
REMESALT is designed and produced mainly by Francisco in Berlin, with a small number of pieces manufactured in Stettin, Poland, which is two hours away. That ensures a very short production chain. Since the sources of the raw materials are not traceable, it is hard to verify the length of the entire supply chain. Local production implies low transport emissions without considering the transport of materials further down the supply chain.
A very small percentage of REMESALT products are made of Italian recycled wool. Recycled sheep wool cannot directly be linked to harming animals. It is natural and durable and can stay in circulation relatively long, reducing its environmental footprint.
The brand only uses high-quality materials that last. The designs are timeless, outstanding and can be worn for decades. Francisco offers small repairs for free and will do alterations or bigger repairs for a fee in his atelier in Berlin. This service prolongs the longevity of each garment.
The brand only uses high-quality materials that last. The designs are timeless, outstanding and can be worn for decades. Francisco offers minor repairs for free and will do alterations or more extensive repairs for a fee in his Berlin atelier. This service prolongs the longevity of each garment.
Francisco is a small, individual producer with a kind and personal approach focusing on his creations and local impact. His website does not hold much information, but upon our atelier visit, he gave us an insight into his suppliers.
Conclusion
REMESALT is a fair, ethical, local and unique brand that offers genderless and inclusive fashion. Francisco is contributing to Berlin’s queer fashion scene. The patterns, prints, and romantic aesthetic blur the line between art and fashion and will catch your eye. Don’t forget to visit when you are in Berlin-Mitte!
