Responsibility

As part of our commitment to our society and planet, as a brand we prioritize responsible and sustainable practices within our business, as well as in the choice of suppliers with whom we work.

1. How do we understand sustainability in fashion within Loraine Holmes?

From a triple perspective (economic/financial, social and environmental), by being able to create design products that follow current trends and meet market demand, but with practices that generate a positive impact on society and the environment, and that do not excessively compromise available resources, thus allowing future designers to do the same.

2. What aspects make a brand more sustainable?

In simple terms, we believe it's about taking care of our environment, acting with social responsibility, being profitable, constantly moving and innovating, contributing ethical values, using limitations as a source of creativity, and being transparent in our actions.

3. Why do we seek sustainability in our work?

The competitive advantages for brands that incorporate sustainable practices into their business models are numerous. These not only benefit their consumers but also help companies become more profitable.

Now more than ever, taking steps to create a healthier world and society is an urgent necessity. Furthermore, we have new generations of consumers who are much more informed, more demanding, more environmentally conscious, and more selective in their consumption preferences.

These practices create a positive perception and differentiation. A unique and responsible product builds consumer loyalty. Transparency in production processes generates trust and a sense of community and participation. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, they contribute to creating a lifestyle, and all the good you give, the universe multiplies.

4. Examples of Fair Trade in our business:

The use of materials with certifications that guarantee their production respected workers' rights and involved care and respect for the environment. And having a short and controlled supply chain, opting for glocalization by choosing national and/or geographically close labor and products.

5. What differentiates us from other brands with sustainable practices?

1. OPTIMAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

As a brand, we always strive for quality, not only in our products but also in the human qualities of the people who work here. It's very important to us to work in a friendly and respectful environment, in a safe, clean, and well-lit place. We offer fair contracts and wages, flexible hours for stay-at-home mothers, and a collaborative, multi-generational team spirit.

2. LOCAL PRODUCTION:

All our pieces are designed and made in Chile, in our own workshop, by the hands of Chilean women seamstresses. We use fabrics specially selected by me, imported from different Latin American countries such as Peru, Brazil, and Colombia, thus reaffirming our commitment to the regional economy, providing job opportunities in our country, and supporting local production.

3. RESPONSIBLE TEXTILES:

Part of our responsibility lies in choosing the suppliers we work with. In this regard, one of our main suppliers is Werner Tecidos (Brazil), a factory that implements energy efficiency and water treatment systems. All the water used in its production processes is treated before and after use, so that it is recovered free of residue and returned to the city's water system. Among other noteworthy practices.

We always seek to incorporate into our collections materials with sustainable characteristics such as those that are biodegradable, produced solely with renewable energy, dyed with dyes certified by Oeko-Tex, etc.

4. UP-CYCLING:

We have a 'Zero-Waste' policy, meaning all our textile surpluses are donated to recycling centers to be reused by small businesses or reused within our brand for the production of accessories.

Some of our best-selling products—LARA, LUANA, DONATO, GOTTI, and CROWY—are made from recycled denim. To develop these products, we select secondhand denim pieces in good condition, disassemble them, and reassemble them according to our designs. In this way, we upcycle, giving the textile a second life, and salvaging all its parts (buttons, rivets, pockets, etc.), endowing them not only with the aesthetic beauty of natural wear and tear but also with a story.

5. MODULAR DESIGN:

Today, and especially with this latest collection, our design strategy is 'modular' to create timeless pieces that can be used in different climates and seasons. This means they can be taken apart, with parts added or removed, transforming into completely different pieces and expanding their range of uses. They can also be washed in sections, thus reducing water consumption. This way, as a consumer, you need to buy fewer garments and can get more use out of them.

6. PRE-ORDER MODEL:

Our sales strategy today is based on a pre-order model. With this, we offer a reverse discount system called 'Early Birds,' a special discount to reward customers who are willing to wait for their products at the beginning of the season. This special price lasts for a limited time and applies only to selected products. Once the 'Early Bird' period ends, the products go up to full price. This allows us to: reward our most loyal customers with a 15% discount, give them the exclusivity of being among the first to own a product, test models and make production decisions based on customer feedback, eliminate overproduction and overstock, and break the vicious cycle of excessive discounts at the end of each season. In other words, we only produce what sells, while also offering the benefit that the earlier you buy, the less you pay. Reducing overstock also allows us to offer lower final prices, making it a win-win model.

Currently, with online shopping experiencing a surge in popularity, we've developed a short guide on how to take your measurements at home and offer support to our customers through our website's online chat, as well as via Zoom if needed. Since our garments are made to order, we can offer custom tailoring services to our customers' measurements, if desired (a service included in the garment price). This allows us to build a stronger connection and a sense of satisfaction, while also significantly reducing our return rates.

7. PACKAGING:

Our current packaging consists of a stylish fabric bag, designed to be reusable rather than thrown away—for storing underwear, for travel, or whatever you need. We also try to include as little paper as possible (just the label). We believe the garment speaks for itself, and there's no need to use so much paper, especially since all our brand information is available on our digital channels.

'Every day we're learning more about the subject; we know it's constantly evolving, with new and better solutions being discovered. We hope to take small steps toward a kinder future for the planet, do our part, be the best version of ourselves, and at the same time gradually educate our consumers.'