When we walked the Capsule trade show in New York City several weeks ago we were quite pleased to discover a good group of brands who are really working hard to make this Earth a better place. They are offering up excellent looking and sustainable menswear we all can wear (and afford).
One of the brands that does this the best is Industry of All Nations (IOAN). Based in Venice Beach, California, the brand jumped off in April 2010 with the mission to rethink methods of production for consumer goods. IOAN brings jobs back to the regions where materials originate, boosting local business and creating awareness in the international market. As they explained to us, “There is nothing noble about suffering, there is nothing courageous about poverty; but industriousness, working for a better life, it is the bravest thing in the world. That’s what we seek; the industry of the people, the Industry of All Nations.” Our kind of peeps!
Here are some of the highlights that will be rolling out for spring summer 2014:
Clean Basics
Tees made in Tamil Nadu, India from 100% organic cotton jersey and fleece and garment dyed with 100% natural plant and mineral pigments. We are fans of the batik prints.
Clean Jeans
Made in Los Angeles from 100% organic denim that is naturally yarn dyed and loomed in India. Go on and buy a pair of raw selvedge jeans in ecru.
Kenyatas
Shoes made in Mombasa, Kenya with an African canvas top and a natural rubber sole by a factory that has been producing sneakers for 40 years. These shoes are great fitting and don’t scream eco hippy!
Fajas
These are the traditional Gaucho belts made in the providence of Cordoba from 100% cotton with some serious color. Order a pile of these to replace those tatty old grosgrain belts you have been prepping out on.
Panamerican Chair & Lounger
This now classic piece from IOAN is a hybrid on the original American chair made in Jakarta, Indonesia out of plantation teak and stainless steel hardware.
We know it is still frigid in most of the country but it’s never too early to start thinking about spring style so click around and find something that will make you feel good this Friday.
