Sustainable Fashion for Petites

Sustainability is an extremely multi-faceted and yet at times also very vague topic, especially in the fashion industry. As a consumer, it can be difficult to identify with confidence whether a brand that they shop with is implementing tangible measures and the fashion industry as a whole unfortunately still lacks a comprehensive overarching framework for sustainability.

When we started our petite clothing brand, it was always clear to us that we wanted to run a company that was transparent and open about what we do and don’t do to run a more conscious business (and how we will continue to do better) and to ultimately allow the consumer to judge for themselves.

We are a young, small company and are in no way perfect in how we implement sustainability practices in our business. What we can promise is that we will always continue to learn and look to do better every step of the way. There is always room for improvement.

Here are the key ways in which we at CIMELIA seek to knit a more mindful approach into our brand’s DNA:

• A timeless, functional, versatile aesthetic that transcends time and place

  By focusing on premium essential clothing, not trends, our pieces will become treasures in your petite slow-fashion wardrobe that you will want to wear again and again, season after season

• Using high-quality natural materials whenever possible and focusing on craftsmanship for more long-lasting garments

  By placing emphasis on high-standard fabrics and workmanship, we aim to prolong the life-cycle of our pieces and imbue them with a heirloom quality that is worthy to be passed on to the next generation

• Discouraging the “buy today, throw away tomorrow” view of clothing that has become so common

  By concentrating on a made to measure for petites business model, we can reduce waist and help curb the disposable attitude towards clothing so prevalent today

We care deeply about running a purpose-driven business and a business involves more than just products. Being kind and respectful to the people we collaborate with, the packaging we use, greater environmental issues, giving back to the community - these are all things that are important to our brand beyond just making beautiful products.

Ultimately, we must all continue to challenge the status quo of the fashion industry (and indeed beyond): the ridiculous amount of “seasons” the fashion calendar has grown to encompass, the wasteful use of resources in production, the workforce that gets paid a pittance for their hard work, the almost inevitable disposability of the finished product…We can all take a stand, vote with our wallet and support smaller, more conscious brands across all industries.

As we mentioned, for us at CIMELIA sustainability practices are an ongoing journey not a sprint. We will continue to flesh out, update and clarify our communication about how we run CIMELIA as a petite sustainable clothing brand and what we are doing to not only create exceptional products but also a positive impact on the world at large.

Thank you for coming on the journey with us and for supporting our petite slow fashion business!