Sustainable Fashion is such a fantastic trend we are seeing now in the fashion world. Taking objects which might go into the garbage and transforming them into something special that can be worn or used for every day use.
Recently I received and email – as we all do - for a fundraising opportunity for SA VA. Clicking on the link I realized they were seeking money to create a new clothing line. Curious about the tactic and just coming off a small business course on getting potential investors, I thought it was an interesting and smart way to raise capital. Especially in today’s tech and web savvy market. So I reached out to Sara Robertson, my contact at the store and made a quick appointment to stop by and get some more information on what was going on.
Heading down 476 to Philly with a book in the CD player – playing, my mind drifted from the story I was listening to – to these particular overcoats at SA VA, I had seen and fallen in love with a few weeks back. ( I kept fantasizing about outfits and pieces I could pair the coat up with – ever do that???) They had a few left the last time… and I was kicking myself for not picking up one then. Especially since they were so unique.
Getting into town, I easily located 1700 Sansom. Just a few doors down from the corner is the SA VA store, which always has fun and creative windows utilizing interesting mediums to create arresting fashion displays. I entered the cool air-conditioned store on this hot day to seek out Sarah and find out what all the excitement was about.
Finding her, she says hello and gives me a quick preview of the new items – all made with natural dyes. First the Lauren jacket: Our take on the military jacket, but with a dash of sophistication and style. A perfect mix of feminine and masculine, this blazer is simply to die for. Open in front, with beautifully draped pockets that add to the natural lightness and flow of the fabric, no detail goes unnoticed. Shoulder epaulets with smooth brass buttons.
…the Erica: SA VA’s number 1 dress is back for Fall! Our reverse wrap dress simply goes over the head and the top layer ties at the back creating a silhouette to fit any shape. That effortlessness and the soft stretch wool will keep you wearing it again and again.
And finally the Addison wrap: Long Sleeve Wrap. We promise that you’ll wear this wrap everyday. Able to be worn multiple ways (put it on backwards!) and can easily layer with and compliment any ensemble.
I am interested, but really more excited about the kickstart fundraising program, and last seasons overcoat. Not that these items are not fantastic in their own right…but I am on a mission. Sarah senses this then proceeds to tell me about the philosophy and their fundraising campaign:
“ SA VA is a lifestyle apparel brand based on the philosophy of effortless, individual style and social consciousness. For two years we have been selling our straightforward fashion at our flagship retail store and we want to sell our Philadelphia Made, sustainable garments through independent retailers across the nation. In order to do this, we need to create a Wholesale Look Book.
The funds from our kickstarter will be used to design and make samples for our Spring 2012 Collection, Style and Shoot Professional Photographs, Design & Print our Wholesale Look Book to sell from.
Having the look book will enable us to go to market and sell the apparel to other retailers. If we are able to sell more product, we are able to maintain and create additional manufacturing and sales jobs and provide U.S. made sustainable and socially conscious fashion to the rest of the country.
We are trying to raise $8,500. Donations as little as $1.00 can be made. With donations starting at $10 or more you get some great gifts from SA VA!”
Once she has given be a brief overview of the kickstart program – which sounds great – she takes me to the coat. Only 2 smalls left…(my heart sinks but am sure my wallet is happy).
SAVA Liberty Trench
SA VA Yoga Bag
Sarah was excited to tell me of their recent launch in July 2011, of the limited edition recycled yoga bags! Sarah tells me, “We didn’t want to let these colorful banners go to waste so we created a special bag perfect for yoga practice. For the launch of the bags we had a yoga class right here in the store.” (Loving these bags – and thinking Christmas is just around the corner!) These awesome bags are made of vinyl, it is sturdy and weather proof. The bags are made from banners that were once hanging from lamp posts on the Avenue of the Arts and are sold both in the SA VA retail store and at local yoga studios. At $30.00 per bag it just makes going to yoga that much more enjoyable! Bija, a “locally grown yoga shop” which is in the front at Wake Up Yoga South at 1839 E. Passyunk Avenue has just started to carry the bags.
If you are interested in purchasing one of the yoga bags, or know of a local studio that would be interested in carrying them please stop by the store or give them a call.
SA VA
1700 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
p.215.587.0004
Apparel Magazine Top Innovator: SA VA was selected as the recipient for the award of “Top Innovator” from Apparel Magazine. In the magazine’s special issue, SA VA was recognized among 40 top apparel companies for being one of the truly innovative organizations in the industry. www.apparelmag.com
UPCOMING SAVA Promotions
August 18th Organic Skincare Demo with Arbonne: Arbonne organic skin care and cosmetics demo at SA VA. Arbonne, a line of naturally made, botanically based ingredients will be providing demonstrations and samples of some of their skin care and cosmetics. Arbonne is committed to environmental responsibility and the development of unparalleled products free of harmful ingredients. Their products are Vegan-certified, gluten-free and are formulated without any artificial substances. Arbonne strives to protect the earth’s resources even down to the packaging materials! Receive 20% off your purchase of SA VA merchandise during the event! 5:30-7:30pm.
August 25th Shopping/Stylist Party with Carly Walko: SA VA welcomes blogger, stylist and all around fashion maven Carly Walko from ThirtySomethingFashion.com for a styling and shopping party. Carly will be here to assist you sift through the latest SA VA styles to perfectly suit your lifestyle and body type. Better yet, she will be raffling off a closet makeover at the event to help you organize and clean out your closet for good! Receive 20% off during the event. 6:00-8:00pm.
Tuesday, August 16th through Thursday, August 18th
Online exclusive: $40 off your purchase of $200 or more. Coupon code: TAKE40
Tuesday, August 30th through Sunday, September 4th
Happy 2nd Birthday to us! Everything on the 2nd floor is $49 or less and take 30% off regular priced clothing. Free champagne in store.
Sarah Van Aken of SAVA
Sarah Van Aken is the C.E.O and Founder of S.V.A. Holdings Corporation, an ethical & vertically integrated private label apparel business located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
With a strong educational and industry background in design, apparel and business management Sarah Van Aken founded the company in 2005. By 2008, she had two successful clothing brands that were manufactured in a proprietary factory in Bangladesh. As the industry, economy and her life changed in 2008, Sarah began to envision a new type of apparel company, one that was socially responsible. Considering all aspects of sustainability including: How and by whom garments are made; What they are made with; Carbon footprint reduction; Considered design; And community impact.
The award-winning company is now comprised of four private apparel brands; Van Aken custom shirts, Van Aken Signature custom hospitality uniforms, VA Private Label garment manufacturing services and SA VA women’s ready-to-wear. Each of the company’s brands integrates, high design aesthetic & quality construction with socially responsible business practices and community building through; local job creation, sustainable & recycled raw materials, community partnerships and garments produced in our Philadelphia Garment Center. Through S.V.A. Holdings Corporation Sarah continues to further her mission to build the most socially sustainable apparel business in the United States.
Ms. Van Aken resides in Philadelphia. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Delaware and has a background in garment sourcing and production in New York City. She is currently a Designer Critic for Kent State University and Philadelphia University. She has recently been awarded the “Community Impact Award” from the Women’s Opportunity Resource Center.
SA VA is an ethical clothing and accessories brand that is built on the platform of effortless, individual style and social consciousness. Based in Philadelphia, the brand is comprised of a flagship store and design studio at 1700 Sansom Street, adjacent garment center and an on-line fashion community and store. SA VA is locally made, globally inspired and community focused fashion. www.savafashion.com
