Kelley Derrett:
Sustainable Fashion
for the Sophisticated
Woman
A
s a 16-year-old working in a Toronto
department store, Kelly Derret had
dreams of a career in the fashion industry. If you told
renewal. The search for sustainable fabrics has taken Kelley
to Turkey, India and China where she works with farming
communities and mills to create new and interesting fabrics
and yarns that have an element of sustainability.
her that she would be traveling the world as a savvy
businesswoman and launc hing her namesake brand in
“I have amazing long term relationships with various
the Spring of 2014…she might not believe you. Fast
factories in China and India. It all begins with a good quality
forward to present day and she has done just that. After
yarn or piece of fabric. You need to be experienced to the
years in the Fashion business managing brands and
touch and feel a yarn or fabric and know it will translate into
directing teams, Kelley has taken the leap and offers
a wonderful quality garment.”
her own sensibility in design through products she
loves.
And experience is something she is not lacking. Kelley
launched an athletic-lounge line under the name
“My collection mirrors my personal approach to dressing
‘greenclothing’ in 2007, proving that designers can create
and complements the lives of sophisticated, modern,
garments with a social conscience and a healthier option for
and well-travelled women,” says Kelley. “The line
the growers and the surrounding communities. This began
embraces a modern approach to dressing, focusing on
the introduction process to brands in Canada and the UK.
clean, meaningful cuts while recognizing the seasons’
What followed were sustainable fashions being launched by
most relevant trends, and with an eye to sustainability.”
brands such as Monsoon, Pink Tartan, Roots, Joe Fresh and
Jessica at Sears.
Fashion’s Eye to the Earth
Her focus on environmentally minded fashion makes her
Spring collection unique and a celebration of the season of
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion, also called eco fashion, is a part of the
growing design philosophy and trend in sustainability,