Vancouver Sun

Scarf brand embraces slow-fashion movement

- ALEESHA HARRIS Aharris@postmedia.com

Adopting a more sustainabl­e approach to style can seem daunting. But, a new Vancouver brand is looking to make it easier, one sustainabl­y made scarf at a time.

Abbott offers alpaca wool scarves crafted by artisans in Bolivia, with the idea that embracing the slow-fashion movement can indeed be done, one garment at a time.

We caught up with Sandy Manj, the brand’s founder, to learn more.

Q What is Abbott?

A Abbott is a conscious label designed on the philosophy of taking things slow. For us, slowing down means having time to ensure sustainabl­e practices, to give value to our partners, and to contemplat­e our connection with the environmen­t. We design high-quality scarves made using alpaca wool, the finest fibre on the planet.

Q What makes Abbott different from other brands?

A Abbott was born out of the idea that the fashion industry needs a makeover. The current fashion business model is based on creating fast, cheap and disposable clothes. Fast fashion utilizes trend replicatio­n, rapid production, and low-quality materials in order to bring inexpensiv­e styles to the public. Unfortunat­ely this results in harmful impacts to the environmen­t, the people involved in its production, and ultimately our wallets. Abbott seeks to bridge this gap by daring the style conscious to equate luxury with sustainabi­lity, one item at a time.

This led us to join the slow fashion movement: a movement toward mindful manufactur­ing, fair labour rights, natural materials, and lasting garments.

Q Who is your target customer?

A The people who love our scarves range from the modern minimalist who may seem effortless­ly stylish to the conscious shopper who invests time and money to ensure their choices reflect their passion for timeless design as well as human, animal and environmen­tal rights, to the luxury fashionist­a who simply admires fine craftsmans­hip.

Q. Where is the collection designed/made?

A. Each scarf is designed in Vancouver and handwoven in South America by master artisans earning fair wages and living in healthy, thriving communitie­s.

Q Why scarves?

A Simply because scarves are, at once, chic and utilitaria­n. They can add the finishing touch to an outfit, while keeping you warm. Since Canadian winters require them to be a fashion staple, we set out to offer a scarf that is luxurious, warm, and made to last.

Q What is the price range?

A Keeping true to our philosophy of less is more, Abbott currently offer four designs of a blanket scarf which costs $210. Keep a lookout for new designs, in various sizes and price ranges.

Q And where can people check out Abbott designs?

A They can visit our website, abbott.design and follow us on Instagram @abbott.design.

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