News » Slow Fashion

• Slow Fashion for the Vintage Vixen

  Published Oct 24 2019 in Cherry Velvet, Ethical Fashion, Slow Fashion

  What is slow fashion, you ask? It is generally considered to be an approach to clothing production and consumption with a focus on fair practices and sustainability. Clothes that are made in a way that is better for those wearing them, those making them, and for the environment.
  
  Since the very beginning, Cherry Velvet has been making dresses out of high-quality cotton that lasts. Dresses made and sold in our first year still exist and are worn today (and it's been over 8 years!).
  
  
  
  Our designer Diane has 3 dresses out of that original bunch that she still wears, especially her very favourite butterfly print. This photo is originally from 2013. It still looks as beautiful now as it did then!
  
  

  

  
  So why are we talking about this? You may know that fast fashion, A.K.A. cheap throwaway clothing, is filling up the landfills. Deliberately poor quality fabrics and manufacturing make for unsatisfying, poorly fitting, disposable garments that get quickly discarded, with an estimated 68 lbs of textiles per American finding its way into landfills each year. Fast fashion brands prioritize selling immense amounts of dirt-cheap apparel, no matter the real cost to society and the environment.

  
  

  
  
  

  

  What makes us different?
  
  

  • We manufacture in local factories in BC, Canada, which operate under federal and provincial laws and regulations, enforcing a good standard for wages and worker's rights. This way, we can propel local business, and frequently drop in for pick ups and drop offs - which allows us to be aware of the real working conditions (rather than "visiting once a year").

  
  

  • We source excellent quality fabrics that can be washed and worn and will last for many years with very easy care.

  
  

  • We design dresses in proven classic and timeless styles that won't be unwanted with the latest trend.

  
  

  • We lovingly pattern and grade in a way that will truly "spark joy" (as organization guru Marie Kondo would say) when your dress fits you the way it's meant to - so you'll want to keep it forever!

  
  The quality and longevity of our dresses have been proven time and time again, as they've been loved for many years by our customers. And when bodies change and we need to start buying a different size, our dresses are in such a good state, they get gifted, sold and otherwise passed on - not tossed in the garbage.

  
  We are so proud of manufacturing our dresses in BC, and providing you with a truly excellent dress you can be sure is worth your money.
  
  

  
  

  
  XOX Cherry Velvet
  
  

• Refitting A Classic: The Doris

  Published Jul 03 2019 in Canadian Designer, Cherry Velvet Dresses, Fit, Made in Vancouver, Slow Fashion

  With our pattern maker away on maternity leave - our designer, Diane, found herself back in the sewing room - For the first time in years!

  

  Diane has always been very hands-on when it comes to all facets of our dresses' production. As a seasoned fashion designer, she closely manages the pattern making and fittings, as well as monitoring production at our local factories.
  
  

  Diane's background in sewing started at very early age. Fun fact - She made all her own clothes during her high school years and often sewed for other people.  In grade 9, her sewing teacher actually paid her to sew for her! With style constantly on her mind and proven "clientele" at such a young age, she knew she found her calling and has been designing ever since.

  And so, years later, with our Doris dress going into production once more, Diane wanted to make an adjustment to the pattern to improve fit. After all, even a classic can use an edit once and awhile. 

  

  The shoulder straps, while designed to go over a bra, were fitting too wide on somebody with a narrower shoulder. Diane administered a fit correction to the pattern and took the opportunity to sew herself a new dress in our Spinderella print, so she could test out the correction.

  After this most recent session at the sewing machine, Diane was so delighted to remember how much she loved to sew - even after so many years! It's true; you never forget your first love ❤️

  "It's such a wonderfully satisfying feeling to be able to design, make the pattern and complete a dress from start to finish". - Diane Kennedy 
  
  Diane's style of designing dresses has always been this kind of old-fashioned, "use all the best ingredients" approach. From the 100% cotton prints she carefully chooses to the YYK zippers that are a well-known industry standard, Diane's passion can be seen in her commitment to her designs.
  
  Cherry Velvet's mission statement has always been to create a line of classic garments with exceptional fit and we hope this behind-the-scenes peek at our designer's process has helped illustrate her devotion for design!

  XOX Cherry Velvet