INTERVIEW #51 APRÈS SUNDAY
Based in: UK
Founded in: 2020
Founded by: Eloise Hall
Stores: Shipping worldwide, www.apressunday.co.uk
Price range: £20-£190
Why we love them: Even though we’ve never even touched any Après Sunday products, we’re sure they’re super cosy and comfortable. We love funky and fashionable loungewear. And the best of all, they’re locally produced, something we value very high at A Sustainable Closet. Also really inspiring to read about how the founder Eloise was looking for a job but instead she created herself a job by starting Après Sunday, you go girl!
What is Après Sunday and why did you start?
Après Sunday is a sustainable loungewear brand, made in the UK. Founded in October 2020 by myself, Eloise. I created my brand during lockdown when I was struggling to find a job. I realised all i was wearing was comfortable clothing and noticed a huge gap in the market for sustainable loungewear, specifically made in the UK.
What is your sustainability profile?
All items are made from sustainable material. Workers are paid a living wage and no animal products are used. Please see the sustainability section of my website for direct quotes.
Garments are made from 100% organic cotton (this will be GOTS certified from Jan 2022)
Tote bags made from recycled cotton and recycled polyester.
All packaging is eco-friendly and garment labels/tags are made from post-consumer recycled polyester.
We also have an option to carbon off-set your purchase by donating.
How and where are the products produced?
I have been importing the organic cotton material from Portugal and then the products are made by a garment maker in the UK who I worked closely with. This is all changing for the new year as my business has now grown, I can afford to purchase in larger quantities which means I am now able to buy GOTS certified organic cotton (which is made in the uk) and have my garments made in a SEDEX approved factory.
Your best selling product?
The Peaches and Green set.
Where do you find inspiration?
I just listen to what my audience would like and what they recommend to me in terms of colours they're looking for etc. I try not to follow trends as a sustainable brand. Inspiration also comes from what I feel I am missing from my wardrobe and the time of year/weather.
What have been and are the major challenges?
Major challenges for me are fabric. I have and have had ideas which I have to put on the back burner because I can't find a sustainable fabric for them. Or I can find the fabric but I can't afford to buy the MOQ they need. As a small business it's too much of a risk whether I will be able to sell it or not. So I just save these designs until I can fulfill them to their full potential.
What has been and are the largest gain?
Mentally for me I have seen the greatest gain, just being able to do something I absolutely love every single day, seeing my ideas and designs come to life and real people loving them, there is nothing like that feeling!
What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
I think we need to let go of trends and people feeling items have gone out of style. Just wear something because it makes you feel amazing and not because it is in trend.
What would you advise consumers to do who seek to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
Start with basics, everyday items you know you will wear and will go with every outfit. I think the most sustainable wardrobe is a capsule wardrobe. Then every time you buy something ask yourself do you absolutely need this and will you wear it forever?
Best thing about Après Sunday?
My amazing customers and incredibly supportive audience
