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The systems and their challenges – a state of affairs.

atelier werktafel studio ama

"You've really found your true passion," I hear that all the time. A beautiful compliment and that's how I experience it. I found my voice. It all fits. My 'working' days are nice, the challenges on my path are interestingI wouldn't want to miss the meetings and surprises and I'm looking forward to what's coming tomorrow and the time after that.
 
 
But there is also something else that is brewing: it is slow. Every day I work on the puzzle pieces of a sustainable wardrobe, made according to Studio AMA's principles. Sustainable, waste reducing, socially responsible, at the right price.

 
About a year ago I made a choice to start the ethical fashion label I was looking for as a consumer myself. I started a project in which I would look for ways to create responsible fashion that I myself would fully support.
 
The challenge brings me to more challenges. Developing towards systems and then linking them together.
 
For example, for a particular fabric (1) I have found a good design (2) but not yet a place to make clothes (3).
 
I discovered a good studio (3) that can perfectly make a design (2) but the material with the ideal capacities didn't cross my path yet.
 
In my studio there is a wall full of drawings and plans (2), rolls, boxes and samples full of material to work with (1) a list of places to visit for clothing (3).
 
 
Enough to do. A more extensive offer, more different garments,is something that I long for and that is now really necessary. I'm working on it.
 
 
In the meantime, I also like to keep you informed about the ins and outs through social media. I think about how this can and may evolve. Meanwhile, I'm hanging tags and embroidering the new series of sweaters .
 
 
But I found my true passion. And the challenges may be so great, so is my pleasure. Can you relate to that?
 

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§2.SWEATER: the social story of its production

How §2.SWEATER came about

The clothing of §2.SWEATER was made in a sheltered workshop near Ghent. This enabled me not only to implement the social aspect of the production, but also the local dimension.

When I was looking for the social added value of the new chapter, I stumbled upon a sheltered workshop in the neighbourhood. Small groups of employees with a distance to the labour market were working there under the guidance of a supervisor. The activities are adapted to their possibilities.

The demand-driven approach of the clothing department allowed me to pass on my specific wishes. Together with the supervisor of the group, I considered the possibilities. It soon became clear that with a very limited edition I was rather an atypical customer. Yet I immediately felt a connection.

In the end we decided to produce only one of the 4 to 5 models. Not really a variation in models, but therefore the possibility to work with 12 (!) different fabrics. That wasn't self-evident either. Yet it was a challenge that the team grasped with both hands.

Also ecological

In addition to the social aspect of a tailor-made company, there is also the local aspect. It is wonderful to be able to do the meetings in person, to be able to deliver and pick up everything yourself. The transport needed for the collection is minimal compared to the traditional approach. This 'made in Belgium' story is something to be proud of.