Founded by renowned fashion stylist Anna Foster in 2018, ELV Denim started its journey with the introduction of their signature contrast colour denim mid-seam jeans. Since then, the brand has grown and evolved, expanding its collection to include an array of fashionable items such as shirts, dresses, and accessories. However, E.L.V. DENIM’s commitment to sustainability remains at the heart of everything they do.
Sustainability
ELV Denim transform discarded garments into high-quality denim pieces. Sourcing their denim from pre-consumer waste, such as discarded denim fabric and offcuts. They Repurpose and upcycle materials, that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
The brand’s commitment to upcycling goes beyond denim. While their main focus is on jeans, they also seek out other pre-loved garments and accessories, such as silk scarves and cotton shirts, to breathe new life into them.
ELV Denim’s branded leather patches and belt backings are hand cut, pressed, and sourced from local East London leather factories. Allowing ELV Denim to give new life to discarded leather.
Even the smallest details in ELV Denim’s products reflect their commitment to sustainability. Their swing tags are made from recycled lavender-seeded paper, allowing customers to plant and watch them grow. Additionally, they are developing an initiative to turn denim scraps into paper for their labels. ELV Denim views waste as a resource and constantly strives to minimize their environmental impact.
Zero-Waste Ethos
ELV Denim has a zero-waste ethos, believing that every part of the jean can be used. From offcuts that are reconstructed as patchwork fabrics to smaller threads being turned into insulation, ELV Denim maximizes the potential of every scrap.
Ethical Practices
ELV Denim only work with people who share their passion for sustainability. Everyone involved in creating their denim pieces is paid fairly for their work, and zero contract hours are avoided. They prioritize fair pay and working conditions, ensuring that everyone involved in their production process is treated with respect and dignity.
Transparency is another key aspect of ELV Denim’s ethical practices. They provide detailed information about their supply chain, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about the brands they support.
why wednesday loves them
ELV Denim seem to go beyond making clothes and focus on making global changes for the better, and this is why we love them! They collaborate with luxury hotels, reimagining and repurposing their high-quality textiles. Once again removing unnecessary waste from the supply chain.
They also collaborate with local schools and universities, providing fabric for textile classes and supporting creative education. Finally they have partnered with renowned artist Ian Berry, who creates denim “paintings.” These collaborations showcase the versatility and creativity that can be achieved with upcycled denim.
Brief History
ELV Denim was founded in 2018 by Anna Foster, a visionary with a passion for sustainable fashion. Anna’s journey began with a realization of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and a desire to create change.
Anna’s innovative approach to upcycling denim started in her East London studio, where she began transforming discarded jeans into unique pieces with a new lease of life. Her commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices quickly gained attention, and ELV Denim’s reputation began to grow.
As word spread about ELV Denim’s innovative upcycling methods, the brand’s popularity soared. Their unique approach to sourcing, washing, preparing, creating, and detailing denim resonated with consumers who were seeking sustainable fashion alternatives. ELV Denim’s commitment to ethical practices further solidified their position as a brand dedicated to making a positive impact on the industry.
Today, ELV Denim continues to blaze a trail in the fashion world, challenging the status quo and inspiring others to rethink their approach to clothing. With their fabric-first sourcing, zero-waste ethos, and ethical practices, ELV Denim is redefining the future of fashion, one upcycled denim piece at a time.