We absolutely love the Dorsu story. The brand is based in Kampot, Cambodia where a significant proportion of the worlds fast fashion is produced. Experts estimate that around 10-20% of all textiles in the fashion industry are discarded as waste - in China alone the total annual production of textile waste is estimated to be over 20 million tonnes.
That is completely bananas. All that precious fabric sits in landfill eventually turning into pollution when it could be used to construct garments and provide income for businesses.
That’s why we’re such fans of Dorsu. Australian Hanna Guy and Cambodian Kunthear Mov set their business up to address the issue of waste in the garment industry and provide fair employment for local Cambodians. Solid move.
The production studio in Kampot, Cambodia where Dorsu ensure fair and safe employment for their workers
The production studio in Kampot, Cambodia where Dorsu ensure fair and safe employment for their workers
The team scours the Phenom Penh warehouses of their preferred suppliers, finding remnants of what they believe to be the best quality cotton jersey. The result is affordable, fresh and ethically made basics. Every run of fabric bought is burn-tested to ensure they are making garments with very little or no synthetic fibres.
Dorsu have just relseased their Spring 2016 collection for men and women. You can shop the collection here (shipping to NZ and Australia is around NZD $10) or you can go and visit them in their newly opened store in Kampot (the junction of St 736 & Road 33 on the way to Kep) if you’re in the area.
Dorsu acknowledges that they are not able to trace the origin of their fabrics, but this story is a great reminder that there are a myriad ways that innovative and passionate brands are walking the walk when it comes to sustainable design in the garment industry.
Roll Neck Dress Black (NZD $82)
Cotton Tall Crew Black (NZD $51)
Cotton Tank Grey Marle (NZD $40)