EMBRACING VERSATILITY WITH VERYAN

When it comes to my wardrobe, I typically opt for simple, versatile pieces that can transcend from one season to the next. There's something about the challenge of bringing new life into my clothes as the seasons change that I find incredibly satisfying — and fun!

The crisp, cool weather we've been having lately has me dreaming of all things fall. It also has me scheming up ways to extend the life of some of my favorite summer pieces as the new season arrives in just a few short weeks. One item I've been experimenting with is this modern, structured wrap top that was gifted to me by London-based sustainable fashion studio, Veryan. The simple design of this top not only enables it to transition easily from day to night, but also from season to season, whether worn by itself or paired with your favorite jacket.

I recently caught up with the company's founder, Veryan Raiker, to learn more about her sustainable clothing line and her passion to create timeless pieces designed to make women feel comfortable and confident. Scroll down to read the interview.

Tell us a little about yourself and the story behind Veryan.

Working on Veryan was a bit of an experiment at first — it began as a log that documented the development of garments, from sourcing fabrics to the final design. I loved the idea of making a transparent platform that showed where everything came from and how pieces were put together. And, having come from a background in fashion where I’d seen the machinations of the industry at work, I knew that I wanted everything to be ethically-sourced where possible. When it came to launching Veryan, the two — transparency and ethics — came together as the foundation of the label.

What inspired you to start a sustainable clothing and accessory line?

The starting point for new designs is always the idea of creating pieces that women can feel comfortable and confident wearing. Most of us work, we have busy social lives, some of us are mothers, I wanted to create pieces that suit these sometimes hectic lifestyles.

What was the inspiration behind the design of the wrap top?

Most of the garments we design come from a starting point that aims to combine freedom of movement with structure. The wrap top is made from a very crisp cotton poplin — usually used for smart shirting — so we balance this with details like the a-line cut, inverted box pleat detail and wrap design to make something simple and wearable.

What fabrics and colors do you typically use, and how do you source your fabrics?

Our lines have a classic color palette which suits the natural texture and quality of the fabrics we work with. The materials — organic cotton, linen and bamboo — are largely sourced from suppliers based in Wales, who work with their partners in Kerala to develop a range of ethically-sourced fabrics. The fabrics have a wonderful texture and natural quality, which suits the classic color palette of our lines.

Where is the clothing manufactured?

Everything is made in our London studio — it can be a little hectic but it’s worth it!

What other steps do you take to ensure each piece is made responsibly?

On top of our use of GOTS certified fabrics, minimizing waste in the studio and creating wearable, timeless designs, we do simple things like testing a garment’s wash and wear before producing it. This makes sure that there’s longevity in the pieces and that they’re easy to maintain. There’s no point in making a t-shirt ethically if it has to be dry-cleaned — the benefits of the production will quickly be undermined by the energy used in its upkeep.

Why is sustainability important to you?

It’s so important to live well and in a way that doesn’t cause harm to others. Living sustainably is in every decision you make — whether that’s buying one dress rather than four, or simply taking water out with you on a walk rather that buying another plastic bottle. For me, it’s a way to question decisions and helps me to think, "How can I do this better?"