PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Portugal
- China
- India
- Italy
- The Netherlands
The RE-GARDE collections and prototypes are designed by Lin in her studio in Amsterdam, where she also makes the prototypes. The fabrics used are sourced from and transformed in Portugal, China, India, and the Netherlands.
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
RE-GARDE states that Lin keeps in close contact with all producers to ensure the clothes are made in safe and fair working conditions, and she personally visits several producers. Due to this close, personal contact, she forges lasting relationships with everyone involved and can guarantee that the clothes are made safely.
RE-GARDE states that they are investigating how to offer more transparency about their production process and the costs of making the clothes.
MATERIALS
- Cotton
- Organic cotton
- Viscose
- Lyocell
- Recycled polyester
- Wool
RE-GARDE states that they carefully choose fabrics that are composed entirely of natural fibres. You’ll find hardly any synthetic fibres like polyester in the clothes, although RE-GARDE sometimes uses recycled polyester as padding for their jackets.
Much of the fabric is sourced from surplus stocks of other producers, and is often made of cotton, viscose, or lyocell. Viscose and lyocell are man-made, plant-based materials; you can read more about their sustainability and production here. Re-Garde buys these deadstock fabrics and brings them to life in their unique and colourful collection.
In addition, the Dutch brand also has some designs made from organic cotton. This cotton is produced in Portugal, where the clothes are also made. Due to the small-scale production, having this material certified is impossible.
The collection also includes some knitted designs made from Italian sheep’s wool.
PACKAGING
RE-GARDE does not disclose what packaging materials are used within their supply chain or for e‑commerce on their website.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
As RE-GARDE uses surplus fabric, the water and chemical use associated with their production is reduced.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
RE-GARDE uses deadstock fabrics, helping to put circularity first. What’s more, these fabrics are mostly monomaterials, meaning they will be easier to recycle at the end of their lifespan.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
RE-GARDE has launched RE-LOVE, a collection of vintage, reworked items that perfectly complement the RE-GARDE aesthetic. In this collection, you can discover hand-picked vintage pieces with a contemporary twist, helping to give new life to garments that are made to last.
Designer Lin is also happy to discuss options when a garment requires repair, extending the lifespan of every product.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Production locations:
- China
- India
- Portugal
- Italy
- The Netherlands
Because part of RE-GARDE’s production occurs in China and India, the brand unfortunately has a long supply chain. Wanting to minimise the distances a garment travels, RE-GARDE also works with Portuguese and Italian manufacturers.
RE-GARDE’s headquarters are located in Amsterdam. The brand offers shipping within Europe.
TRANSPORTATION
RE-GARDE states that their e‑commerce is shipping carbon-neutrally, through carbon-offsetting schemes.
- Wool
The majority of RE-GARDE’s products are free from animal materials. To help ensure animal well-being, the brand chooses mulesing-free wool, sourced from Italy. Mulesing is a controversial practice in which a small portion of the sheep’s skin is removed to prevent harmful larvae infestations.
PRODUCT DESIGN
RE-GARDE was born from a love of colours, shapes, and textiles. Lin draws inspiration from her paintings to create elegant and unique designs. The collection contains a lot of colour and expression, while at the same time radiating tranquillity.
The designs are timeless and versatile, like the reversible kimonos, which allow you to form two outfits with one garment and combine them endlessly.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
The calmness of Lin’s designs is also reflected in her design process, as Lin chooses to work at her own pace. In this way, RE-GARDE follows slow-fashion principles, not following seasons and producing in small numbers.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
Each product page states what materials the garment is made from, although the production countries are not provided. This makes it difficult for consumers to know where their specific purchases were produced.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
RE-GARDE spoke with COSH!, sharing more information about their production partners and materials. As the brand shared the names of its manufacturing partners, COSH! was able to verify the information.
Still, the brand realises that the transparency on their website could be better, so they are now exploring opportunities to share more information about the clothes’ ecological impact and production costs.
Zaključak
Looking for a stylish kimono or a colourful jacket? You’ll find it at Amsterdam-based RE-GARDE! This expressive brand makes women’s fashion from surplus fabric stocks. The designs are based on Lin’s own paintings.
Discover where to shop RE-GARDE at a COSH! member store near you on the map below –
