INDIGO & SNOW VISION STATEMENT

I believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience on this planet. As visitors on this beautiful planet it is our responsibility to tread lightly and practice stewardship.

As the founder of INDIGO & SNOW, my background is in Environmental Studies and Women’s Studies.That is the paradigm from which I make decisions. I don’t identify as a fashion designer, I am more interested in personal style and how you choose to express yourself as an individual.

INDIGO & SNOW is a textile studio dedicated to sustainable design. What does that mean in a world where the words natural, sustainable and organic are used loosely with no strict adherence to a definition within the framework of design and fashion for those concepts?

What is enough? Do we even have metrics for what is enough as individuals, as communities, as a society? I believe greed is ruining our planet and the cultural communities that live here. As a designer and artist my intention is to make a difference and be the change. As a business owner I am responsible for every step of the supply chain.

I choose to source natural fibers that are “eco-friendly” fibers, which means that their production process has a low impact on the environment. I usually work with linen, a silk/hemp blend, raw silk, an organic cotton/soy jersey and sustainably sourced bamboo rayon.

As a surface designer, I am conscious that the dyes I use pollute water. Period. I am not going to greenwash it for you. The most sustainable option would be everyone wearing cloth that is not dyed. However, I cannot imagine a world where everyone was wearing white, off white or light brown cloth. I’ll be honest, I don’t want to live in that world. I am a textile artist, because I am deeply inspired by the global textile traditions that celebrate the diversity of life on this planet.

I’m small. By that I mean I am not Target, Zara, H&M. I am a textile artist that specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces for my clients and I create limited edition collections in my zero waste studio. What do I mean when I say zero waste? I don’t throw anything away. I throw away less than I yogurt container of waste a month. I have chosen a zero waste aesthetic in my designs. When pieces are cut the only “waste” is the neckline where the neckline in cut. I do not throw these remnants away. They are re-purposed into other designs and pieces, what is left over is recycled.

The packaging I use is 100% recycled content and made in the USA. I work with Eco Enclose, their mailers are made with 100% recycled content, 50% post-consumer waste and can be re-used. In fact I only source paper products that made from 100% recycled content, and post-consumer content.

Whenever possible I work with companies that are as local as possible to reduce my carbon footprint. I partner with Mikan for my labels, because it is a woman owned business in North Carolina. This is just one example, but I like to shine a light on companies that I partner with because I believe we all do better when we all do better.

INDIGO & SNOW is rooted in Intersectional Environmentalism.  

What is intersectional environmentalism?

This is an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for justice for people + the planet.
~ Leah Thomas
We are committed to giving back to vulnerable communities that have been systemically marginalized. Each month we donate 10% of our proceeds to an organization that we wish to support. I am profoundly grateful to my my super supportive and very conscious community that feels aligned with my vision to give back.
When the CDC declared that the most effective public health measure was for everyone to wear a mask while maintaining safe social distancing it call to action.
My focus aesthetically is on the creation of functional items and seeing the beauty in utility. There’s nothing more functional than wearing a mask right now, but if you’re going to cover half your face then at least cover it up with something beautiful that expresses your individuality and personal style.