Our decision to openly share our design and clothing patterns on Yabbey is a substantial move towards environmental sustainability. This initiative empowers both DIY enthusiasts and small shops to create their own VPL clothing, significantly reducing the carbon footprint typically associated with the manufacturing and distribution of fashion products. Local garment production lessens the overall environmental impact by reducing the need for extensive transportation and large-scale manufacturing processes.
This strategy also enables individuals and small businesses to create bespoke versions of VPL products, allowing them to collect detailed data on customer preferences regarding styles, sizes, and items. Such insights are invaluable for refining supply and demand forecasts, leading to a more efficient production process that aligns closely with actual consumer needs. Our goal is to substantially reduce fashion waste, in line with our dedication to sustainable practices and a commitment to socially responsible fashion.
By making our patterns universally accessible, we are championing a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive approach within the fashion industry. VPL is at the forefront of transforming the traditional concept of protected intellectual property in fashion design, heralding a new era of openness and environmental consciousness in the industry.
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Wide-Awake By Tierney Gearon
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I would love to introduce my family friend, Almani Canada, who modeled for our recent photoshoot.
Forgetting to Remember
July 4th is coming up and it makes me think of independence and freedom. Two things I once thought all Americans, regardless of skin color or heritage, were entitled to. However, in light of the recent events that have occurred in this country, I have accepted the fact that the liberty and justice promised to all Americans, was liberty and justice for the white, and wealthy Americans. After hundreds of years, black Americans are just now starting to get the justice promised in this country because everyone is coming together in taking a stand against hate. Here’s to a memorable 4th of July.
I remember when I first learned about Martin Luther King Jr. and who he was. I remember how it felt learning about a black man that made the most impactful change this country had ever seen. And how that felt being though I was one of two black kids in my entire elementary school. I remember how it felt to learn about a society that thought people that looked like me were treated less than simply because of the color of our skin. An idea almost thought to be something born of a dystopian world, but in fact, was the world I was living in. I remember all the stories I heard about these people that looked like me living in this world. From the brave like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Ruby Bridges, to the scary like Emmet Till and plenty of others that met his same sad fate. I remember how those stories invigorated me into learning more about these people, and how to stop this scary, evil mindset from coming back (I thought it was a thing of the past because I had white friends and they were so nice...little did I know).
I vowed to never forget the struggles that my people had experienced in the past and be vigilant in spreading the word to whoever would hear about the senseless injustices and crimes committed against African Americans during these times. But as time passed by I was slowly forgetting. I was becoming complacent in a society that I thought accepted me but in reality, was merely a facade of inclusion. An illusion that I was the same as my white peers, but still treated differently than them. And that's when I started to remember my vow. I remembered when Trayvon Martin was killed for walking in his own neighborhood, and the man who killed him was cleared of all charges. I remembered when Donald Trump was elected president, and studies showed that racial differences started to increase. And finally, I remembered with the death of George Floyd.
His death scared me because I remember thinking, another death of a black man by another cop. It was almost like it became typical at that point. And that’s what made me afraid that. That I thought of this as usual. But it soon became unusual. People were speaking up about this injustice. People from all walks of life: black, white, rich, poor. Everyone was out in the streets, calling for justice for this black man. People’s tolerance for this behavior of racism, and bias, was over. And that's when I started to fully remember my vow, and also why I forgot it in the first place.
Because it had seemed as though people around me weren’t acknowledging the problems black people had faced, and we’re still facing, in this country. But now I feel like people’s eyes are finally being open. They are willing to listen, learn, and change their previous behavior to break the cycle of the disease of racism that has afflicted this nation for far too long. I now feel comfortable having discussions with my white friends and roommates regarding the issues African Americans face in this country, and they’re willing to sit and listen. I feel confident to tell them to sign petitions and inform themselves with black history the textbooks never taught them because they are willing to gain more knowledge to make a change. For a while, it seemed as though I was forgetting the promise I made to myself to remember the history, and inform others of the dangers our bias could bring. But the world wouldn’t allow me to forget. Because now is the time for change.
Almani Canada
There are many petitions in support of various causes to improve the treatment of African Americans and racial justice in this country on Change.org
For info and resources on how to help the Black Lives Matter Movement such as petitions, donations, and protest locations, visit here.
type of clothing that we purchase -- has so drastically changed over the last several months. As our working and educational environments have become virtual, we are spending less (or at least differently) on clothing. And face masks have now become de rigueur when we venture out to public spaces.
To that end, VPL is offering a limited edition run of face masks using British-style shirting fabrics, as well as Japanese-inspired prints, sourced from high-quality Japanese mills. The masks are proudly made in Southern California, by a female-owned factory.
In order to help serve our world’s growing need for PPE, and to help manufacturers transition to a new production world, VPL has forged a partnership with Gambit Enterprises of Leicester, UK. Proceeds from the sales of VPL’s mask collection will fund PPE production by Gambit (every three masks purchased will enable the production of one UK-made PPE gown). Gambit is donating PPE to many worthy users in the UK, including schools, hospitals, special needs children, and caregivers.
Gambit Enterprises is a small, family-owned business which manufactures and sells school uniforms. Currently run by Jonathan Newham, Gambit was founded in 1980 by Jonathan’s father. An evident labor of love and pride for Jonathan, the company was originally born of necessity: as Margaret Thatcher’s anti-manufacturing policies in the 1980s destroyed British manufacturing jobs, those affected by the job destruction – like Jonathan’s father – were spurred to create their own opportunities in entrepreneurship.
The area of Leicester, several hours north of London, is a hub of textile manufacturing. Gambit’s headquarters sits among other related businesses: Jonathan’s next door neighbor, for example, owns the machinery that manufactures many of the school garments designed and marketed by Gambit.
While traditional suppliers like Jonathan take great pride in their local, high-quality manufacturing – and the jobs that they provide for the region – they have faced significant headwinds. It’s a story with which we are familiar in the US as well – offshore, low-cost manufacturing and internet storefronts have supplanted small business, leading to job loss and local economic distress. Yet, in the face of this offshore competition, it is heartening that Jonathan and Gambit have carried on. This is, of course, a good thing -- for local economies and jobs, and for a society more generally, as it has become clear that control over production capacity is required to ensure the resiliency of our supply chains.
As life begins, we hope, to get back to some sort of normal, we will all undoubtedly reflect on the lessons learned from our experiences over the past few months. Among these, we will all need to grapple with how our values inform the purchasing choices that we make, and how (and to whom) we want to direct our dollars, pounds, Euros, or Bitcoin. At least one can say, with confidence, that VPL’s extremely stylish (and functional) masks are a worthwhile place to start.
Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling) in The OA
]]>Don’t miss it when it hits theaters on January 10. Thanks to our team working extra to make so many sets for the movie.
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Shop VPL+ maternity and nursing bra collection
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She is wearing Harness One Piece ($99)
B Bra in military. ($65)
]]>Rima Thierry @RIMAMICHELLE7
Jessica Brandick @jessi_b3
Film by Yoshihiro Makino @yoshihiromakino
Track EXOS by @drumandlace
HMU @mishyparry
Happy Mother's Day! Let's practice breathing prenatal exercise.
Maxine Hupy @maxinehupy
Alesha Deesing @aleshadeesing
Rima Thierry @RIMAMICHELLE7
Jessica Brandick @jessi_b3
Film by Yoshihiro Makino @yoshihiromakino
Track IN WONDERLAND by @drumandlace
HMU @mishyparry
]]>The excitement on my student's faces when the mysterious box was delivered to my classroom was priceless. They were so eager to learn what was in the box. I told them that very generous people donated money so that we could have a new iPads in our classroom. The students clapped and cheered and were overjoyed!
The new Common Core Standards require students to use technology to conduct research. The iPads that you helped purchased has allowed more of my students access for these tasks. We also have three computer based programs that we use daily. Having the additional iPads has made it easier and more efficient for students to complete these activities daily.
My students are gaining more knowledge and experience with technology in the classroom. Having the additional iPads has helped tremendously with student growth in the areas of reading and math. Your donation has impacted my student's lives and I am forever grateful.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett"
"I want to provide more opportunities for my students to investigate through implementing STEM projects. STEM activities provide engaging and memorable experiences for my students. The magnet materials I have included are beneficial as they will find it interesting to read about and then they will have the opportunity to explore. We have completed one STEM project this year so far.
Their excitement as they worked together, investigated and created made me realize how beneficial these activities are."]]>
Maxine Hupy @maxinehupy
Alesha Deesing @aleshadeesing
Film by Yoshihiro Makino @yoshihiromakino
Track IN WONDERLAND by @drumandlace
HMU @mishyparry
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We helped kick start her campaign, and we received an update from her that the project is now fully funded. We cannot wait to get more update via social media.
"Dear VPL vplstore.com,
Our Hawk Girls Build LA and school site thank you for your consideration and thoughts. We have a social media site through weebly and Twitter (@HawksBuildLA) and we have been recording our progress in increasing college and STEM interest where we have reached out to 65% of our peers. We hope to reach 100% by May 2017 and your gift will give us a tool to help keep track of our events in a timely manner. Thank you!
With gratitude,
Ms. Mar"
About the fit clip
Maxine Hupy @maxinehupy
Film by Yoshihiro Makino @yoshihiromakino
Track TYPO by @drumandlace
HMU @mishyparry
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