People of Leisure || #LiveConsciously, and Mean It
*This post is sponsored by People of Leisure as part of my hourly freelance work for them. All opinions, photos, and creative direction are my own.*
It's one thing to research a company's website to find out information on their ethics and sustainability. It's another to email the brand directly asking for help with parts you feel they may have missed. But entering into a contract with a brand? Adding your name to their website and aligning yourself with their practices? That's another step entirely.
And, of course, it's exactly what I've done with People of Leisure.
As their copywriter, I get do what I love doing most- write not only about their gorgeous pieces, but about what it means to be a conscious consumer, highlight other conscious influencers, and get to know the brand on a deep, personal level.
People of Leisure is an LA-based ethical and vintage clothing brand that focuses on sustainability- both when it comes to the fabrics they source and how their employees are treated.
I spoke on the phone with Bobby, the brand's founder, before deciding to add them as one of my few (and beloved) freelance clients. He told me a story- one that isn't unique to the fashion industry- even in America.
He told me about his first brand, a clothing brand that, similar to People of Leisure, employed an LA garment industry factory to cut and sew their pieces. There are many clothing factories in LA (and all over the US), and brands using them (and claiming to be USA made) isn't uncommon.
However, Bobby's eyes were quickly opened to the inhumanity that shadows America's garment industry when he realized his employees, the people he had sub-contracted out to create his clothing, were barely making a living wage.
Of course, Bobby's findings aren't evidence of a one-time instance at one factory in LA. Not even close.
As one piece from the LA Times noted, many garment workers in LA's garment district are paid $3/hour, or less, from brands who build their reputation on being "American made". "Worker abuse and wage theft is rampant in the U.S. garment industry," the article claimed. Of course, not every factory is this way- just as not every "Made in China" label means the piece was made in a sweatshop - but by and large, fairness is not the norm.
Bobby, unlike most brand owners, however, chose not to turn a blind eye to his findings.
He set out to create a brand that was as ethical, transparent, and sustainable as possible (and will readily admit that "full sustainability" isn't possible- which I've chatted about on the blog before too).
People of Leisure has a beautifully curated line-up of pieces that immediately transport me back 30-ish years. Their velvet-y velours, washed cottons, and vintage tees are as high quality as they are unique. I chose to style one of their dresses, the 3/4 Sleeve Midi, for Dressember, and it works as well for a chilly Winter day as it would for a crisp Spring one or a warm Summer day.
Although it's a fairly form fitting dress, I've loved layering collard shirts underneath for Dressember, for an added layer of warmth. However, the dress can easily stand on it's own, and has a longer slit in the front and a deep v-neck with a faux-wrap in the front. Most importantly, it's so comfortable.
One of the parts of my job that I'm most grateful for is the ability to be extremely picky about who I choose to work with. In the same way as I carefully research the brands I partner with for my blog, I get to accept freelance clients whose values closely align with my own. It makes my job endlessly inspiring and allows me to help brands who are doing good in the world put their values into words. (Shameless promotion: if that's something you've been looking for, click here).
Although we've still got a lot (to put it lightly) of work to do to clean up the fashion industry, both across country borders and here in the states, it gives me hope to partner alongside brands who are consciously making an effort to do so.
