What We Believe In
It's easy not to think about the journey of our clothing. Most people can't imagine how much a single shirt touches in being made, and don't realize the costs.
The fashion industry as a whole routinely exploits workers in developing communities, trapping them in poverty and job conditions that range from uncomfortable to deplorable. Their health can also be threatened by production practices that pollute and deplete natural resources in the service of cheap goods. For consumers, finding "sustainable" alternatives is muddied by the fact that many companies claim the label without wholeheartedly backing it up.
Alissi was founded on an oath to slow fashion – to social and environmental responsibility running through a garment's life. Because the norm is something none of us can afford.
Sustainability
From material choices to the treatment of people, sustainability is essential to Alissi. That is why we partner with Saheli Women, and join them in "a movement towards production practices that are in harmony with the environment and workers are treated fairly."
- Only upcycled, biodegradable, nonviolent and GOTS-certified organic fabrics are used, and they come exclusively from small, ethically producing manufacturers in India.
- No fabric is wasted in the production process, as any remnants are given to workers for personal use.
- Fabrics are embellished with vegetable dyes and other natural pigments, as well as embroidery techniques that preserve the traditions of Indian artistry while exposing them to an international audience.
Ethical labor
Saheli Women exists to serve its members and development of their community, so "profit is not our end goal." The studio has the feel of a home away from home, where the ladies can cook, drink chai, socialize, bring their kids and celebrate life.
Following the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative Code of Conduct means there is no forced labor, child labor, harassment, abuse or discrimination; working conditions are safe and healthy, and hours are reasonable and determined by the workers; women's rights and regular employment are guaranteed; the planet and community values are respected; and a living wage is paid and increases as the studio gains more work.
A living wage covers housing, food, education, health/sanitation, transport, and other needs like clothing and savings. Saheli Women's artisans were housewives who didn't formally contribute to their household incomes, and many of them have become the primary earners.
Slow fashion
An antidote to the environmental and humanitarian ravages of fast fashion, slow fashion is more a labor of love than a capitalistic endeavor.
Saheli Women takes the position that the wellbeing of its workers is paramount. Next in importance is the outstanding quality they produce. Both are served by the fact that the studio turns down orders that would compromise the artisans' ability to take pride and enjoyment in making each piece.
Less is more
A 2017 report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation valued clothing that's tossed prematurely at more than $400 billion a year. In the U.S., that translated to 11.3 million tons hitting landfills in 2018 alone. The waste is staggering, and it's one thread in a tangle that impacts everyone.
If we buy less we'll waste less, by looking to brands that are made to last. That means care and craftsmanship, and seeing value in the story of a garment over cheap convenience. These items are meant to be loved for a lifetime and passed to the next generation.
Community
For Alissi, building community is a goal on local and global levels, as we hope to connect and support likeminded entrepreneurs and organizations. That includes being a champion for businesses that are owned and operated by women.
With our company based in Las Vegas, we are sourcing indie boutiques and nonprofits that share our values in the hope of forging partnerships. As things solidify, we'll share details on our blog and social media.