When the pandemic struck, many retailers closed, orders stalled and mills were left with reems of unwanted fabric. 

Miko Underwood explained how donations from Soorty, AGI and Candiani came at just the right time.

“I had access to the fabric, I had the machines, it almost felt like divine timing,” she said. “Everything was there and it couldn’t have happened any better. By the time I was ready, the local manufacturers opened back up and they were able to make most  of  my local collection.”

Oak & Acorn – Only for the Rebelles describes itself as the first sustainable denim brand in Harlem, New York. The designs pay homage to the history of indigenous Americans and enslaved Africans’ contributions that have shaped US manufacturing and denim. 

Ms Underwood added that designers should use their relationships with mills as a source of inspiration.

“There’s so much innovation coming from the mills, why not use that?” she said. “For any young designers, use that relationship with factories, they might have deadstock after the pandemic. Use their innovations, test the market and grow your business that way. They have libraries of great stuff. This is the moment for innovation!”

Ms Underwood was speaking as part of Denimsandjeans virtual trade fair.

Picture credit: Oak & Acorn Instagram page