Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Sustainable Fashion
Why we NEED to 'Beat' Fast Fashion
We Just Need to Stop - Consider WHO Made My Clothes
This is a great short video expressing some of my own sentiments regarding fast fashion, based in the US yes but on point!
It is just ridiculous that in only the last 10 - 20 years the production of clothing has increase so much to be at the stage of $10 disposable items in the name of 'trends'. We need to be smarter and we need to consider the real cost behind the price tag.
What A Cheap Price Tag Actually Says:
- I was made by someone under slave labour (majority who are woman)
- I was made in poor, unsafe and unfair working conditions
- I was made using poor materials
- I will fall apart within months and add to landfill
- I caused more pollution and negative earth impact
- I was not made out of love or care for the earth or any human on it
The World Must Never Forget...
No More Made in China - No More Mass Produced Crap
These current times are a reminder to the world that it is unsustainable to rely on one power house to essentially control the world.
We know that this is driven purely and simply by price. To give the consumer cheaper options means mass production using lesser materials and slave labour (often illegal) conditions to drive the end price to the consumer down.
This is a wake up call - we can do better and we MUST - for a better future we need to make better choices - this starts NOW - what will you do better?
From Plant to Clothing - A Sustainable Choice
Linen keeping you Green - How is Linen Made?
From plant to clothing - the use of the flax plant (linum) dates back over 35,000 years, linen being the oldest natural fiber still loved and used today
Our logo has been created with our simplistic and earth friendly core values in mind
The motif is based on the flax flower in bud form, a symbol of growth, time and care taken in the process of producing linen fabric and our linen clothing
As linen is typically grown in the cooler countries of the world, the fibers that come from the flax plat are strong but the process of turning them into linen takes time
This demonstrates the enduring popularity of linen. Cotton and other synthetic materials are cheaper and easier to make, but people still choose the quality that is only found in linen
All of our Linen is of the highest quality sourced from Europe, most of this linen is from Belgium
Hello from Helen - Founder & Designer
Hello 👋 FIRST TIME EVER from the Founder of Love LinenMy FIRST EVER live video 🙈🙈🙈 Well, it was live but I’m posting it now until I wait to long and chicken out 🐥 I will be doing more of these so please reach out, your support means everything to me, much love Helen - Founder & Designer 💜
Posted by Love Linen on Sunday, February 23, 2020
Have You Considered Wearing Nothing But Linen
Reasons To Fall In Love With The Worlds Best Natural Fiber
We seem to be on trend as the world catches on - again to how good quality linen just is
- The process to produce linen is earth friendly and natural, minimal to no water or pesticides is needed to harvest and minimal chemicals to extract the linen fibers from the flax plant is needed
- Linen is arguably the most sustainable natural fiber in this way, being made from a plant also makes it eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable
- Linen cloth has a very long life, linen is well known to be more than 3 times stronger than cotton, it is also a more structurally sound fiber which means it does not loose shape and is more resistant to abrasions
- Linen gets better with every wash, unlike most other fibers which deteriorate linen remains strong and gets softer and silkier with time
- Linen is known to be the go to summer material, but this works both ways as it is a natural insulator which means due to the natural ability of its fibers, linen keeps you cool when its hot and warm when its cold, it is one of, or if not the best natural fiber to regulate your natural body temperature
- Wearing linen makes you stand out in the crowd, linen lovers are known to appreciate a more natural and conscious way of life and well as appreciating a healthier way of living
- Linen is easy to wear for all occasions, it is not hard to let linen take over your wardrobe, an investment worth savoring for many years to come
Behind The Seams
The Lifetime of a Design
At Love Linen we do everything with love and much time, energy and care goes into everything we do.
We are only small and we only make a few. We are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia and we are proudly Australian made, owned and operated.
Each design we hand make in our sewing studio in Broome before is goes to our digital pattern makers. This process alone can take months! Our amazing manufacturer specialises in short runs which means we only produce around 10 - 20 of each design in a carefully chosen linen fabric.
Quality over quantity is what we are passionate about. We also love producing linen clothing of true style and classic design that you wont see everywhere else. Our designs are unique and limited which make them extra special.
Although we have many designs sketched - some on paper - many in the mind - we are only a small business and our aim is to grow sustain-ably with our beautiful linen lovers into the future. We wish we could give you it all at once but where is the fun in that! So much happens in the design stage and we even surprise ourselves sometimes!
If you are reading this, thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and appreciation means the world to us X
Lets Shop Local This Festive Season
Support Local, Support Your Community
There are so many great reasons for shopping local. Festive season sometimes takes a hold however, and massive name brands do take center stage with their massive advertising budgets and the little small businesses can get lost among all the noise. We ask you to look for them, there are so so so many amazing small businesses out there producing amazing products filled with love and supporting earth and world friendly values we all hope to aspire to.
Gift giving over the silly season can get - well a little silly! How much do we really need? Here is a quick guide to help with a more mindful choice which also supports your local community.
Consumable Products
Handmade soap, perfume, handmade local foods, local honey, local produce, candles, incense, natural deodorant, skin care and hair care products - products you know will be used or consumed and not wasted - choose locally made, naturally made products
Reduce Plastic
Kids toys, clothing, plastic things which have little or no use. Shop for a non-plastic option or a cause contributing to earth friendly sustainable, re-use or re-cycle values. Shopping local makes this choice easy, there are many hand-crafters and local artisans and artists around, plus you a giving a unique gift to both the small business you are supporting and the receiver
Give An Experience
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that someone who has everything or is difficult to buy for? An experience like a massage (or any self pamper), wine tour, hot air balloon float, couple photo shoot, or something simply that you know they will enjoy will always be well received. Choose a local service or company
Make Something From You
Hand-make something yourself. Whether it's baking, painting, making jewelry, macrame, renewing something you have as a gift - if you are inclined this is something truly unique you can give as a gift from you. Small items are usually best and remember to shop local for your supplies
Support a Local Cause
Supporting a local cause always feels good. If you have one you are passionate about, let everyone know instead of gifts, small donations towards this cause is how you are giving this year. Everyone can feel involved and purposeful with their giving with you
Don't Sweat the Gift Giving
The most important gift you can give anyone is your own happiness and that you share your light with them by giving them your time. Gifts and the pressure of buying for no other reason than an expectation is both stressful and unnecessary. If this is you, explain this to your inner circle, if you need to take a break this year (or any year) know that - this is OK
Do you know about the war on plastic?
Say No To Plastic
We are all waking up to the harmful effects of plastics. Plastics are everywhere, even when you don't think they are - you wouldn't want to know how many plastic fibers are released using just one tea bag which you then drink - maybe you do - A single plastic teabag at brewing temperature releases around 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles - American Chemical Society..
So what can we do? We all know plastics, such as most plastics found in clothing, take over 200 years to break down.
It is so inspiring to be on the leading edge of the world at a time when positive change and conscious living is rising - and wow we really need it to.
More and more of us are opting for a more minimal way of living and being conscious of what we are consuming and how.
Here are some very simple tips of what you can do in everyday life to help the war on plastic, and if you have more suggestions, please leave a comment below.
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No more plastic water bottles - invest in a unique 'forever' refillable bottle, these are not hard to come by and usually are insulating as well for hot or cold liquids
- Use a keep cup or similar for your take away drinks - there are so many beautiful options out there now - even for the wine on the beach in the evening, they're good for that too ;)
- Swap to soap bars and shampoo bars - often not only better for the planet in the long run they can actually become more cost effective for you and if you find an eco-conscious brand - you are also avoiding any adverse chemicals and toxins you wouldn't otherwise consider
- Razors - go back to the old fashioned razor, no more plastic and you just by new blades, some have a much better end result too
- Shop with reusable non-plastic bags - you can even get the little ones for you fruit and vegetables instead of reaching for a plastic bag
- Smarter shopping - opt for items and products wrapped in less or no plastic preferably and glass or tins over plastic bottles - if you look around your home you will be shocked to see how much of what we use is in plastic that doesn't need to be
- A BIG one for us - STOP WEARING PLASTIC - there is a huge movement towards natural fibers now, and, not only due to their biodegradable qualities, their natural properties make them the better option every time
Introducing the new Chloe and Belle Dress in Silver Fawn
Meet our Treasured Chloe
Our treasured Chloe shirt dress is a wonderful classic staple that has been created with much care. Carefully tailored around the waist it remains a relaxed fit although styled to keep a flattering shape. Adjustable sleeves, chest pockets and side hand pockets are just some of the added features bringing this dress next level, and who doesn't love a dress with pockets!
Lovingly brought to you from Broome this dress is great for any occasion; corporate dress, evening dress, everyday dress or stylish holiday essential
* Quality linen fabric keeps you cool all day long no matter how hot your day gets
* Linen gets softer, silkier and more beautiful with every wash, look forever stunning in this dress
* Gorgeous quality and tailored design this dress stands out in the crowd
Meet our Stunning Belle
Absolute elegance and comfort is our Belle dress with beautiful tiered styling and a stunning open back. An apron style dress brought to another level, you will never want to part with our Belle. This stunning crinkle linen adds to the beauty of this dress and its layering, it also has the ability to not be ironed, the crinkle becomes a gorgeous feature.
Our stunning Belle is a Broome favorite and we live in it all year long, only to be complimented everywhere. Take a loving piece of Broome with you always and make sure you take her for a spin x
* Quality linen fabric keeps you cool all day long no matter how hot your day gets
* Linen gets softer, silkier and more beautiful with every wash, look forever stunning in this dress
* Stunning tiered styling makes this dress flattering to every body shape
Why Have A Capsule Wardrobe?
Benefits of a capsule wardrobe
I think before getting into what a capsule wardrobe is and the methods of achieving one it is important to first be inspired by the benefits so your enjoy the journey.
Less stress
A well curated wardrobe has staple styles, colours and combinations so it wont be a headache to pick your outfit.
Clothes you love
A smaller wardrobe of clothing means you are much more careful with your purchases. Each and every piece should be one of quality and that you LOVE to wear. Your whole wardrobe becomes something you feel good in no matter what you choose for your day.
Your signature look
Having a smaller wardrobe also means you put more effort and consideration on every piece of clothing and how they go together. Carefully picking only clothing of quality that will last and that you truly love sets you apart. You become more confident and well put together.
Saves you money
Quality over quantity. In the long run this saves you money and is better for the planet. You are also usually supporting more ethically made clothing and not sweat shop pieces made to last a short season. Feel good and do good in good fashion.
Take time - can be years!
It is ok that a capsule wardrobe takes time to curate and establish. Enjoy the journey and enjoy the fact that it is a process to feel good about.
A Slow and Conscious process
Each addition or subtraction of clothing becomes a more conscious process. In order to have a smaller wardrobe of truly loved and well curated clothing takes more presence than mindlessly adding and adding.
Greener
A capsule wardrobe means you are not contributing to the fast fashion model. This is a worldwide problem which has escalated over the last 20 years. You value clothes made well, of quality and designed to last. Shopping local is key here, it can be fun finding those niche local brands who align with your values and you can feel good about supporting.
Saves you space
As a nice bonus you minimize your home buy having a smaller wardrobe. Just wait till you get spaces between the hangers and you can see everything clearly, I promise you you'll love it.
Could you wear the same thing every day?
Minimalism in your wardrobe
I've recently read an article about someone wearing one T-shirt every day of the week - and before your nose starts to twitch he has multiple shirts of the exact same T-shirt... and we are talking about a 'He' so perhaps slightly easier to envisage than your average female! The article did however, bring up some very relevant points to why this train of minimalism within your wardrobe could have many benefits.
I confess I could never take minimalism in my wardrobe quite this far although I took away some very valid points which I've summarized for you below. We are all about sustainability and slow fashion after all and the key to a simpler, slower, happier life is to become a minimalist not just within your wardrobe, but in all areas of your life.
- Fewer decisions and less time and energy wasted - wouldn't it be great to not have that every morning hassle and worry? Less stress on these decisions creates room for more positivity and productivity in your day
- Saving money and creating less waste - money more well spent and carefully decided upon saves you in the long run, quality clothing you love also reduces overall waste which is good for you and good for our planet
- Feeling better - when you look good you feel good. You become more grounded and productive, wearing carefully chosen outfits you love and enjoy - quality over quantity is key
- An iconic look - contrary to fast fashion pressure of trends changing every couple of months, a consistent look conveys confidence, clarity and becomes uniquely you. You will always look comfortable, stylish and well put together
Creating Real Change - The Fashion Advocate
The Fashion Advocate
We are so proud to be a part of what this amazing woman has created, spreading the word about supporting locally made sustainable and ethical fashion. Please see Claire's story below, we are so lucky to be involved in this shared vision.
"I am a fashion blogger, an avid clothes lover and an advocate for the Australian fashion industry, but first and foremost, I am a conscious consumer."
It was from my front row seat at A.F. Vandevorst during Paris Fashion Week in 2014 that I decided I would wake up every day in the name of fashion. As Sherry Qiu bound down the runway through a sea of smoke, everyone else was looking left – and I was looking right. I found myself completely absorbed in the menagerie of photographers before me, stacked on top, around and underneath each other, elbow to elbow and cheek to cheek in a silently understood mess. They were still, with only the movement of fingers on cameras and only the sound of fluttering lenses, synced in a frenzying harmony with every step each model took. Pose, snap snap, pose.
These were mere outfits on the runway to some, but moments in time to me. Each different angle became infinitely worthy to be captured, lusted over, longed for and needed. As crushed khaki linen layers and scarlet silks marched down the barrel of the runway, I was mesmerised, I was captivated, I was inspired. I decided then and there, that fashion would be the one thing I would always pursue, on a constant hunt for moments that move me. It is one thing to know trends, it is another to understand the feeling of fashion, and I felt it running through every vein in my body.
I now devote The Fashion Advocate to sharing meaningful content, focussing on Australian fashion, beauty and lifestyle labels that share my ethical and sustainable values. What started as a digital diary of my fashion musings has now grown into a community of likeminded individuals who are designing for positive social and environmental change.
If I can encourage just one reader to support the Australian industry and choose ethics over trends, my job here is done.
Now is the time to look deep down into the bottom drawer, into the darkest corners of our wardrobes, and think seriously about the impacts of our consuming habits. Your wardrobe and your home should reflect who you are and what you stand for, and mine reflect my ethics and values. I could reference Chanel, Anna Wintour or Alexander McQueen, who have all coined some of the most memorable quotes in fashion history, but I agree most with Alber Elbaz, who said, “Fashion is pure, intense emotions. It’s not about design. It’s about feelings." Feelings are what make us human, but somewhere along the way, we've lost our values and fast fashion has become a monster.
I want to slow things down. I want to remind people of the true value of their clothes and teach shoppers to respect the people who make them. I work every day on my quest to inspire people to think consciously about their wardrobes, because every garment counts.
– Claire Goldsworthy - founder of The Fashion Advocate