A Black Owned Upcycled Fashion Brand Built To Tell Stories Of WOC Who Marvel At Nature, Connect With Community & Like to Look Damn Good While Doing It
There is no shortage of Black women who are designing sustainably despite the lack of visibility in the mainstream movement. We were so excited to speak with new designer, Shalisia L. Hyman- Earth, founder of Earth Toned! The beautiful vibrant brand focuses on upcycling and repurposing destock fabric to stylishly prevent waste while amplifying the beauty of WOC!
Check out this interview:
When and why did you start Earth Toned?
Earth Toned Collective began as an idea in 2017, and in 2018 I began to put action behind the idea. A number of the eco/ sustainable brands I favored just lacked representation really. I started ETC to tell stories of women of color who marvel at nature, connect with the environment + community and like to look damn good while doing it. These women are also fond of luxury; my desire is to create luxe sustainable looks that they too can enjoy..
How do you define sustainability?
Sustainability to me is the original form of existence and relationship to environment. It’s the ability to thrive in harmony with the environment + humanity, not against it.
Can you share a bit more about your supply share, how your products are made and where your materials come from?
Our approach to sustainability is reflected in our collections: ETC Eco and ETC Revive. ETC Eco manufactures garments from raw and organic textiles. ETC Revive manufactures garments from recycled and dead stock textiles. As our environment continues to change drastically, we are urged to reassess traditional approaches to production and consumption. We manufacture hyper locally, by hand, using eco friendly/recycled and reclaimed materials unearthed from local fabric shops. Working hyper-locally affords ETC the ability to support local makers and connect with communities.
Rather than solely sourcing raw materials to produce our garments we work to revive what was once considered dead stock. Instead of ending up prematurely in a landfill, new life is granted to these materials which make up the one-of-a-kind pieces a part of ETC Revive. FabScrap is a fave local shop! I enjoy hunting for treasure at their Manhattan location, or volunteering at their warehouse which allows me to access free materials for upcoming projects. Eco Friendly materials are sourced from local companies that practice fair trade regulations. As we evolve we anticipate expanding our partnerships with local factories and garments mills that display sustainable + ethical practices.
By prioritizing ethical practices over cheaper costs, we are able to ensure we don’t overproduce, which minimizes our energy consumption and emissions. We partner with local makers in Brooklyn, NY to manufacture our garments. As the majority of garment production is sent overseas, local makers are left with little to no work. Our fair wages and the opportunity to work out of personal office spaces empower our makers, support local artisans and help build stronger communities. ETC is a socially responsible company that genuinely considers how our business choices impact both life and environment.
Tell me about your Spring collection ... what inspired this collection?
Flow is an intimate introduction to the ETC aesthetic that features one-of-a-kind pieces for a one-of-a-kind girl. Rather than sourcing raw materials to produce the featured garments, we were inspired by this season of rebirth and renewal to revive what was once considered dead stock. Instead of ending up prematurely in a landfill, new life has been granted to these materials which now make up the unique pieces of Flow.
In Flow, the colors are inspired by the richness of the Spring Equinox and the shapes are inspired by the 1900’s when puff sleeves reigned supreme and the 1970’s when wide legged pants anchored Kings and Queens. Flow introduces the world to the Phylicia Top and Chantel Culotte. Phylicia revels in her youthfulness with a sweetheart neckline, playful puff sleeve with fitted cuff from elbow to wrist, and accent buttons on the back that reflect the deeply rich colors of early Spring. Phylicia elegantly accompanies the Chantel Culotte, which is easy like Sunday morning. Constructed from reclaimed rayon and rayon blend materials, the Chantel Culottes snug fit through the waist releases the need for buttons or zippers while the wide leg shape allows for an easy gait in maximum comfort. To flow is to release control with assurance that everything in nature unfolds in divine time. Much like the birth of this collection; good things come to those who surrender to the natural flow of life.
What has been the most challenging part of starting a sustainable fashion company?
There’s been a number of challenges, the most challenging has been in my own ability to just keep going, to know with every fiber in me that this approach to garment construction is absolutely necessary.
Does being a Black woman / WOC influence your brand? If so how?
Oh YES! I’m in awe of WOC on so many levels, style is just one of those levels. WOC exude an effortless air of confidence and grace despite all of the odds. I aim to represent & celebrate WOC in my work to the bottomline. I’m largely inspired by black fashion during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s so I pull inspiration from those era’s. I really enjoy that whole Jet, Ebony, Essence Magazine cover aesthetic there’s a certain level of unapologetic bad ass that can’t be argued with.
What keeps you going?
The fact that I even made it this far is what keeps me going, honestly. I don’t have an extensive background in business or fashion, so my ability to learn as much as I have keeps me afloat. I’m a one woman show establishing a black owned sustainable business in Brooklyn, NY. I just remind myself, “chile, if you came this far imagine how much farther you can go”...