As the effects of climate change become more apparent every day, we at Lapstone & Hammer are more conscious than ever of the role that the brands we stock play in the planet's well being. The most recent addition to our brand roster doesn't just talk about adopting sustainable practices, they embody the concept in every aspect of their business, from production all the way to packaging. And the clothes they make are of incredibly high quality and dope as hell to boot! That is why we are thrilled to welcome STORY mfg. to our store.
London-based STORY mfg. was founded in 2013 by husband and wife team Saeed and Katy Al-Rubeyi out of a desire for a more authentic, fulfilling and kind approach to fashion, and a focus on natural and sustainable production methods that would have a positive impact on the Earth. Working with large group of dyers, weavers, embroiderers and tailors, the Al-Rubeyis use all natural materials and dyes along with vintage workwear and military construction methods to create loose fitting, genderless streetwear that is both sustainable and durable.
Occupying an aesthetic that exists somewhere between Dead lot couture and vintage homemade apparel, STORY mfg. offers a range of styles from tees and corduroy cargo pants to complex intarsia knit sweaters and crocheted scarves. Signature pieces like their corduroy snap neck pullovers and cotton chore coats feature intricate crochet detailing and hand embroidery that speaks to the level of artistry and care applied by the people who made them.
Nothing is factory produced, it is all handcrafted by local artisans. There are women in Thailand who grow the cotton and indigo that they then make into fiber and dye, and an atelier in India where local dyers, weavers, embroiderers and tailors produce all of the apparel by hand. All of whom are not merely contractors, but active collaborators whose hereditary production methods have informed the brand's DNA.
The clothes and accessories are made from organic cotton and linen, and any synthetic elements have always been recycled and never include any single-use plastic. All of the dyes are naturally derived from plant matter like indigo, babul bark and jackfruit among others. The colors they produce are warm, natural tones of orange, brown, blue, yellow and red; earthy hues that transcend seasons and align to the planet's palette. Not a scrap of material is wasted, with excess fibers either reused for lining or stuffing, or turned into paper for tags and packaging. Everything they do is vegan and completely cruelty-free, involving no materials from or used on animals.
This isn't fast fashion, it's built to last fashion.
STORY mfg. is available now at Lapstone & Hammer both in-store and online here.
Photos by Evan Kaucher
Stylist: @bbygirl.sham
