{"id":13320,"date":"2024-10-08T01:44:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T01:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cambodialifestyle.com\/?p=13320"},"modified":"2024-10-08T01:45:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T01:45:03","slug":"interwoven-atelier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cambodialifestyle.com\/interwoven-atelier\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERWOVEN Atelier: Weaving Fashion with Sustainability in Phnom Penh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Meet Jess, the co-founder of INTERWOVEN Atelier<\/strong><\/a>, a small-batch, slow fashion brand in Phnom Penh. With a background in marine biology and conservation, Jess’s journey into fashion might seem unexpected, but her passion for sustainability ties it all together. After five years in Cambodia, working across sectors like energy conservation, waste management, and marine conservation, she found herself longing for a creative outlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had zero experience in fashion or entrepreneurship,\u201d Jess admits. \u201cThe brand was born out of a longing to create. Clothing, to me, is more than just fabric. It\u2019s an expression of who I am, how I feel, and an important opportunity to wear my values.\u201d She began by sourcing deadstock material and partnering with local tailors to make pieces for her own wardrobe, which eventually grew into INTERWOVEN Atelier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The brand\u2019s name reflects its ethos: \u201cINTERWOVEN refers to the intricate and interconnected relationships within an ecosystem. Highlighting the concept that elements of nature are intimately tied together, where each rely deeply on one another to maintain harmony.\u201d This philosophy drives the business, which embraces small-batch production, intentionality in design, and a commitment to sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Slow Fashion, Thoughtful Choices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Officially launched in April 2024, INTERWOVEN Atelier is a true slow fashion brand, valuing conscious creation over following fleeting trends. Jess emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design: \u201cOur collections are created with longevity and low impact in mind, prioritizing versatility. The pieces are simple enough to complement your current wardrobe and provide more freedom for creative exploration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the brand’s core principles is encouraging consumers to be more selective with their purchases. \u201cI believe in investing in quality over quantity and cherishing those chosen items. With the right love and care, your items can last a lifetime, reducing our carbon, chemical, and water footprints too,\u201d Jess explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more <\/strong>things to do<\/strong><\/a> in Cambodia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her dream is to unite her passion for the natural world with fashion by exploring natural dyes and botanical printing to celebrate Cambodia\u2019s biodiversity. \u201cWe have some brilliant ethical and sustainable clothing brands in Phnom Penh, but I felt there was a gap for merging these values with a fun, feminine, and elegant feel\u2014while maintaining affordability and accessibility.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sustainable Sourcing and Community Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jess\u2019s passion for sustainability is evident in every aspect of INTERWOVEN Atelier, from fabric sourcing to production practices. One of her favorite parts of the job is exploring O\u2019Russey Market, \u201csifting through the huge amounts of textiles as if on a treasure hunt.\u201d Cambodia\u2019s garment sector produces around 140,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, and INTERWOVEN Atelier is committed to using 100% deadstock materials in their collections. \u201cDeadstock are the leftovers from production errors or canceled orders that usually end up in landfills. We select only natural fiber deadstock, and the exciting part is that they\u2019re often unique\u2014you won\u2019t find them elsewhere!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTERWOVEN Atelier also places a strong emphasis on supporting local artisans. \u201cHandcrafting is an act of nurturing culture, and the essence is woven into pieces by those who make them. We work with family-run tailor shops in Phnom Penh, conserving Cambodian tradition while contributing to the local economy.\u201d Jess ensures that artisans are paid a fair price, set by the tailors themselves, with no negotiation or haggling involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Form, Function, and Feminine Elegance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The clothing at INTERWOVEN Atelier is designed with busy women in mind. As Jess puts it, \u201cIf I couldn\u2019t ride my moto while wearing an item, the design had to be adjusted or discontinued.\u201d The balance between comfort and elegance is central to the brand\u2019s design philosophy, with fit and feel being crucial elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each piece is crafted based on Jess\u2019s own body and then adjusted for other sizes. \u201cWomen\u2019s figures change monthly, yearly, and throughout our lives, so our designs reflect this,\u201d she says. The pieces are either flowy, gracefully draping, or feature drawstrings and soft elastic waistlines for a custom fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Choose INTERWOVEN Atelier?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For those looking to shop more sustainably, INTERWOVEN Atelier fills an important gap in the Phnom Penh fashion scene. Jess\u2019s commitment to thoughtful design, sustainability, and supporting local artisans sets the brand apart. As she explains, \u201cWe must become more mindful consumers. Through INTERWOVEN, I hope to inspire people to pursue ways to reduce their impacts\u2014the future of our planet depends on it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Jess, creating INTERWOVEN Atelier has been a way to weave together her love for nature, fashion, and sustainability. As the brand grows, she hopes to continue exploring new ways to incorporate Cambodia\u2019s natural beauty into her designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit INTERWOVEN Atelier<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can follow INTERWOVEN Atelier on social media @interwoven.atelier<\/strong>, where you can book an appointment to visit their studio and browse the collection or have something custom-made. INTERWOVEN pieces are also available at several partner stores:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • For Someone I Like<\/strong>, Shack Collective<\/strong>, The Green Store<\/strong> in Phnom Penh<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • No Planet B<\/strong> (inside Babel Guesthouse) in Siem Reap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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