Madewell’s new collection underscores the importance of strong supply chain partnerships.
On Tuesday, the brand launched a new women’s collection made in collaboration with Isko’s Creative Room, the denim textile mill’s Italian lab for forward-thinking denim design.
“With denim at the core of everything that we do, it’s important to us to source from world-class partners, who are category leaders in innovation and sustainability,” said Joyce Lee, head of design at Madewell. “Our collaboration with Isko’s Creative Room for this unique and environmentally-conscious collection highlights our paired expertise in design and style research that is timeless and uncomplicated.”
For the collection, Isko and Madewell sought to introduce a fresh take on traditional American craftsmanship. The collection is based on premium, high performance fabric with textural details, including two-tone denim fabrics and nostalgic patchwork.
The goal for the line, Madewell said, was to create “an offering that’s equally unique and wearable.”
Highlights include a pieced ’60s-inspired denim skirt with buttons all down the front, a ’70s-style zip-front jumpsuit, a sleek V-neck top with slit sleeves and a jean jacket with cuffs based on the waistband of jeans.
An array of jeans will be on offer, including patchwork rigid flares, a classic straight fit with reconstructed hems and a super high-rise jean modeled after Japanese street style. The jean has a double fly, meaning the wearer can leave one set exposed for a relaxed fit, or buttoned up for a tighter fit.
The collection retails for $110-$198.
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Isko has been a long-term partner with Madewell, but this is their first collaborative collection of product.
“Isko is very proud and honored to partner with Madewell,” said Rosey Cortazzi, Isko global marketing director. “We feel that as a brand Madewell is strongly aligned to our core brand pillars of creativity, innovation and citizenship. It is fantastic to share our passion for denim with a brand that has such credibility and authority in the jeans wear market.”
In an interview with Rivet, Madewell described Isko as a “perfect partner” in the company’s mission “to stay at the forefront of denim innovation” as both brands have a shared commitment toward sustainability and innovation.
Last month, Madewell introduced a long-term commitment to working with Fair Trade USA, including a Fair Trade Certified collection as part of the mission to introduce more sustainable product, and create a supply chain that puts workers first.
In August 2018, the brand rolled out an Eco Collection that requires 65 percent fewer chemicals and 75 percent less water than conventional denim fabric.