Denim With A Difference: Sustainability, Quality, And Craftsmanship
September 27TH, 2024
At MarketPlace, we are deeply committed to sustainability through recycling and upcycling in our designs. This philosophy is evident in our Chindi Collection, where waste from the cutting table is transformed into beautiful patchwork pieces, each becoming a unique garment.
According to a 2020 study by Textile Exchange, producing pre-consumer recycled yarn can save up to 60% of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32% compared to conventional yarn production.
Denim itself, despite its humble origins, holds a rich history. Once a staple during the Gold Rush era for its toughness and durability, it has since evolved into a universal and complex textile, deeply woven into Western fashion.
In this collection, we've elevated our denim pieces with distinctive embellishments, such as block printing on both sides of the fabric, creating striking and intricate designs. Combined with hand embroidery, these garments become true treasures.
After the fabric is printed, it is delivered to the cooperatives. What makes MarketPlace unique is our commitment to working with women who lack formal education or marketable skills--women who often face barriers to employment elsewhere. Our success rests on two key pillars: thorough and meticulous training in sewing, production systems, and processes, and the unwavering dedication of these women to meet the high standards of Western markets.
Hand embroidery done by women at home is dismissed by other companies due to concerns about consistent quality and cleanliness, which is why you see so little of it in the market. But for over 40 years, we have embraced this practice because it provides women with valuable earning opportunities while they fulfill their other responsibilities. These artisans take great care to ensure that their work remains clean and of the highest quality.
Throughout the process, quality control--covering measurements, stitching, and hand embroidery--is conducted multiple times within the cooperatives and again before the products are packed and shipped to the U.S. This rigorous attention to detail is why our products are so highly valued by customers.
When you receive your purchases, be sure to check the tags, proudly signed by the artisans who made them. These signatures symbolize not only the garment's quality but also the personal dedication and skill that have shaped each piece--testaments to the journey and the hands that brought them to life.
