Why Made-To-Order Matters
Most businesses are modelled after existing businesses within their industry. We recognize how destructive the current norm for fashion production is to our environment, and to our minds as it breed overconsumption.
As a designer I have never wanted to mass produce the same style of clothing with no demand for such quantity as done in the big box stores we are all too familiar with. Many of the overproduced garments end up going on sale at the end of the season, and if these don't sell at a reduced price, garments being degraded to the equivalent trash (and this is not okay!).
I truly believe that fashion should not be as disposable as we have become comfortable with, and it is time for an overall shift in how we (as consumers) interact with fashion. Shifting towards a made-to-order approach would allow Neoteny Apparel to become one step closer to our ideal standard of a fashion label. I would like to elaborate on why this is so important to us.
Firstly, not committing to producing multiple quantities of each style relieves the pressure of sitting on a large inventory without the necessary demand for it to exist. Made-to-order is the best way to avoid overproduction, and be conscious about the amount of clothing we put out into the world.
Firstly, not committing to producing multiple quantities of each style relieves the pressure of sitting on a large inventory without the necessary demand for it to exist. Made-to-order is the best way to avoid overproduction, and be conscious about the amount of clothing we put out into the world.
I believe that made-to-order pieces are more purposeful in their existence. My purpose as a fashion designer is fulfilled when the clothing that I create is intended for a specific person rather than just made to create inventory.
This would also allow my creative freedom as a designer to flow freely, as I can move from one design onto the next in a faster and more streamlined way. My true passion as a fashion designer lies within the creativity in designing, pattern drafting, sewing and styling my garments. Having more time to focus on these areas would allow me to diversify the styles and complexity of the pieces that I have to offer you.
As some of the pieces we are known to create consist of upcycled & repurposed materials - these will still be offered as one of a kind items, sold in limited quantities. Otherwise all garments and accessories will be handled on a made-to-order basis from this point onward. I will communicate how to differentiate the limited pieces from the made-to-order pieces as best as I can on the respective product pages.
I'm so happy to be able to communicate transparently with the people who will own and live in my clothing in hopes of creating a better connection between the creators and wearers of fashion! I truly aspire to make decisions that foster my lifestyle and creativity as a designer in hopes of offering you the best pieces I possibly can.
Thank you for being on this journey with me!
