What inspired the creation of your company, and when did it start?

Launched in the spring of 2015, LA Relaxed was created out of necessity for apparel that had a purpose and a message. Having been a clothing manufacturer for over 25 years, I realized how damaging the apparel industry is to our environment and set out to create change.

What is your brand’s mission, and what causes drive you and your team?

Our focus has been on establishing the importance of organic and sustainable fabrics within the fashion industry and giving the consumer a better, greener option. Our vision is to create unique blends of eco-friendly fabrics whose manufacturing process is transparent from seed to garment and applying these fabrics to unique and timeless designs. We are passionate about educating the consumer on the importance of transparency and accountability in the industry. We are passionate about educating the consumer on the importance of transparency and accountability in the fashion industry. We are driven by the next generation, knowing that it is our responsibility to make the world better for them and that it’s up to us to start implementing the changes to make it possible for them to live in a world where fashion is not fast or dirty.

How is your brand socially responsible?

Where it’s made, who’s making it, and what it’s made of is at the heart of LA Relaxed. We partner with domestic vendors to keep our products made in the USA and to provide local jobs. All of our employees are paid a fair wage for their hard work and provided with better than adequate working conditions. Every one of our employees is more than that, they’re like our family. We see each other every day and understand the importance of everyone’s part in making our apparel, they deserve to be paid fairly and they are. We want to be a standard for all apparel manufactures in the USA and we hope more companies can follow in our ethical and sustainable standards.

What does your brand do to lower its ecological impact and/or promote environmental health and well-being?

LA Relaxed only uses fibers that are eco-friendly and sustainable unlike synthetic fibers which account for 60% of world’s total fiber demand and are made from petrol, a non-renewable natural resource. By using fibers that are not synthetic we lessen our eco foot print. We use our social media platforms to educate consumers on why we use certain fibers and the importance of being a conscious consumer. Through our Instagram and Facebook we launch campaigns such as our “Eco-Month” facts where we provide our followers with facts and ways they can be eco-friendlier on their day to day routine. We also collaborate with bloggers who live a sustainable or zero waste lifestyle.

Does your company perform animal testing and/or use animal-based ingredients in your products? Why or why not?

No, we do not use any leather or fur in our products and would not condone animal testing for any of our products.

Where does your company make/manufacture your products, and why?

All our apparel is designed and made locally in Los Angeles. With only 2% of apparel being made in the US we pride ourselves in keeping all our production locally to provide jobs to the contractors we’ve established a relationship with over many years. By keeping our production local we can also oversee the conditions in which the people that make our product work and make sure all ethical standards are met.

Describe your design philosophy – how do you balance quality and affordability?

Whether we are designing trendier or more basic styles, our overall goal is to use the most sustainable material possible, and to produce as ethically as we can. The price tag for this may be a bit higher compared to conventional fashion production, however, the cost to the environment will be substantially less. It’s important that we focus on educating the consumer to make them aware that they have the power to create change through their buying habits.

Tell us a little about the ingredients/materials you use. Generally, why did you pick them over other options?

We use fabrics like Tencel which is made from natural cellulose wood pulp and is fully biodegradable or Modal which comes from beech wood chips. We are also really excited to be working with Recover Textiles. Recover makes their fabrics by taking existing clothing or fabric scraps and putting them together with like colors and creating fibers, yarns, and fabric from these discarded garments. This allows them to create new fabrics without the use of water, dyes, or chemicals. Making them completely eco-friendly and lowering the CO2 emissions otherwise created by the production of new fabrics. With these Recover fabrics we create different blends, color hues and re-purpose fabrics that would otherwise end up in landfills.

What are the next steps for your company?

In order to reach a broader audience, we’ve created a 2nd brand, BLEUSALT. The goal with Bleusalt is to hopefully reach a younger consumer that may not realize that trendier fashion can be made ethically and responsibly.

How do you view the future of conscious consumption?

Bridging the gap between a conscious lifestyle and unnecessary consumption is critical. By 2050 the global economy is projected to consume three planets worth of resources annually. As a fashion brand, we are in position to help affect the change that is needed by using recycled and sustainable materials.

As a parting sentiment, if you could only use one word to describe your brand ethos – what would it be?

Respect.

We have to respect each other, respect ourselves and respect the earth.