Hello, World!
Keeping you in the loop right up front. It's fall, and with that comes layers and layers of eye catching style from our favorite designers such as Rachel Zoe and style bloggers like New Yorker, Danielle of WeWoreWhat. But, this article isn't about them. I want to tell you about Wooden Ships.
I love fall and although it is not my favorite season, I do love all the fashion that comes with it. I am also brand loyal which makes me so excited to dig into Wooden Ships and tell you all about them! Just below Is my favorite fall look from last year, see the sweater? Wooden Ships!
The winter season in the mid west is outrageous and I definitely do not like the cold. Bundled up in layers upon layers of leggings, leg warmers, long sleeve shirts and a sweater to top it off is my every day attempt to protect myself from the harsh conditions that take your breath away. Preparing for the season starts early and when you find the perfect sweater it's common to buy it in every color available, right ladies?
We know how it feels, soft, warm, it makes us smile and then the next bit of information we look for is what the heavenly article of clothing is made of. But, how often do you wonder "How was this created so perfectly for me?" or something like that. Knowing the company and how it was created and what that brand stands for can change your views all together and make the product priceless!
Photo Credit: Briana Wrench
Paola Buendia and husband Mark Donova started Wooden Ships in 1992, shortly after graduating from Harvard University. From exploring Indonesia, the talented Bail community struck most interest for the couple. A community of painters, builders and writers, Paloa and Mark blended this with their love for literature, travel, fashion and the environment to set in motion their brand, Wooden Ships.
"Inspired by the idea of old trading ships bringing goods from other lands" - Mark, "Something authentic and raw."
Not wasting time and raw materials, the no waste approach is a reflection on their Bali community to control their carbon footprint. A solar powered factory and a serious take to zero waste is something we can all learn from if we plan to keep this planet alive. Packaging and distribution is something among every company that produces a tremendous amount of waste. Wooden Ships controls this aspect by not only producing one sale order at a time and packaging shipments as a unit and not individually but, the use of eco-friendly oxodegradable plastic bags. To break this down for you, these bags are produced with an additive (d2w) that makes the plastic decompose far more rapidly than normal plastic. This also means these bags will not be around for thousands of years. # HappyPlanet
Recently there has been plenty of news about clothing factories over seas having a harsh stereotype and the devastating conditions hard working people are put through. You will never hear about that with Wooden Ships. All production of Wooden Ships knitwear is held in Bali, Indonesia where designers Paola Buendia and Mark Donova live today. The couple owns and operates their own factory and go beyond fair wages and conditions by providing extensive training and opportunities for growth, generous vacation, holiday and sick day policies, they also provide health care to all employees. Priding themselves on being able to break the cultural barrier (this is so amazing!), women are provided with training programs to operate knitting machines which are traditionally operated by men. Today more than half of their knitters are operated by women! Wooden Ships is also huge supporters of Sea Shepherd International, Avaaz, Organic Consumers Organization, International Anti-Poaching Foundation and WildAid.
An outstanding brand, am I right? If i've sold you then head on over to Lana's Boutique in Kalamazoo and St. Joe, Michigan because this is a staple brand in the store through out the chilly seasons!
Photo Credit: Briana Wrench
