The term ethical manufacturing gets used a great deal in fashion and design circles, but it is not always clear what it actually means in practice. For some brands, it is a marketing label applied to products that have undergone minor adjustments, while for others it represents a fundamental commitment to how they operate. We fall into the latter category, and we think it is worth explaining what ethical manufacturing looks like for us, not because we are perfect but because we believe in being transparent about the way we work.
At the most basic level, ethical manufacturing is about treating people fairly. The fashion industry has a long and troubling history of exploitation, with workers in many countries enduring unsafe conditions, excessively long hours, and wages that are insufficient to meet their basic needs. We have always believed that this is unacceptable, and we have structured our workshop in Athens to ensure that everyone who works with us is treated with dignity and respect. Our team members are paid properly for their skills and experience, they work in a safe and comfortable environment, and they have reasonable hours that allow them to maintain a healthy balance between work and life. We believe this is not just the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do, because skilled craftspeople who feel valued produce better work and stay with a brand for longer.
Beyond the treatment of workers, ethical manufacturing also encompasses the materials we use and the impact of our production processes on the environment. This is where our approach diverges significantly from mainstream brands. We do not use any virgin materials, we do not operate large factories that consume vast amounts of energy and water, and we do not produce goods that are designed to be discarded after a short period of use. Our entire model is built around the principle of using what already exists, extending its life through careful craftsmanship, and ensuring that when a product reaches the end of its useful life, it can be repaired rather than replaced. This is not always the easiest or cheapest way to operate, but we believe it is the most responsible.
Another dimension of ethical manufacturing is supply chain transparency. Many brands have complex, opaque supply chains that make it difficult for them to know exactly where their materials come from or who is making their products. We have taken a different approach by keeping our operations as local and as simple as possible. Our materials come from Greek ferries, and we process them in our own workshop in Athens, which means we can trace every single step of the process and we can take responsibility for every single decision that is made. In fact, our production unit is always open to visitors. This transparency is something we offer to our customers, and we are always happy to talk about where our materials come from and how our bags are made.
We are aware that ethical manufacturing is an ongoing commitment rather than a destination. There is always more we can do, always ways to improve, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to make our processes better for our people, for our customers, and for the environment. We do not claim to have all the answers, but we are committed to asking the right questions and to being honest about the answers we find. This is what ethical manufacturing means to us, and it is a commitment we are proud to make.
