As sustainability continues to be a growing movement within the fashion industry, designers big and small have been taking it upon themselves to either switch over to more sustainable practices, or develop innovative processes that result in a positive impact on the environment. Los Angeles-based denim brand Triarchy is one such brand, reimagining classic pieces using vintage denim, as well as creating its own, more sustainable alternative to traditional cotton denim.

Below, FashionUnited talks with the Triarchy team to learn more about its process in creating sustainable luxury denim, its Atelier line that focuses on repurposing vintage denim, and more.

The primary pillar to your brand is its part in sustainability. Tell us about that decision, as well as the process to be as sustainable as you are.

Triarchy is a sustainable brand full stop. We don’t make anything unless it can be made as sustainably as we can do so. Denim is the worst offender when it comes to resource consumption, so we’ve made it our mission to make denim as responsibly as possible.

What were you looking for when choosing your manufacturer in Mexico City?

We were looking for a facility with a sustainable laundry and they were employing some really innovative technologies where natural bacteria is used to eat the indigo and reuse the water over and over again with a 15% loss each time.

Can you share about Tencel and how it differs from traditional denim?

Tencel is a fibre made from the Eucalyptus tree, which uses 85% less water to grow than cotton, so from the beginning in making the material we reduce our water footprint and then further reduction takes place in the aforementioned washing process. Tencel is natural, strong and incredibly soft so it makes for some amazing denim.

Can you please explain Atelier Denim — what it does and its overall mission within Triarchy?

Our Atelier line is made entirely out of vintage repurposed denim. We deconstruct vintage jeans and use that material to make any entire new collection of pieces. We repurpose what already exists into new pieces of sustainable luxury, instead of relying on all new resources to do so.

What is the process to sourcing vintage denim, are there specific teams that find these materials?

We very rigorously go through mountains of vintage and select the best USA made products to work with. Our team, myself included, select the denim ourselves, one piece at a time.

How does all of this contribute to the slow-fashion movement?

By using what already exists we are not only giving new life to old garments but we are making it clear that we have so much that we aren’t using that it is irresponsible to keep making new all the time without using some of what we already have as well.

Is there any potential to work with larger retailers outside of your own e-commerce site?

Yes, we are working with a sales team who is handling our brand worldwide so we are going to be moving into retail this year with a large push for 2020.

Images: Courtesy of Triarchy