Prophetik comes to Wilmington
Written by Kristi Singer
Friday, 12 February 2010
The sustainable "green" clothing line Prophetik comes to Wilmington at Island Passage! Focus on the Coast got to talk to the Founder/Creator of this fabulous line, Jeff Garner about what makes this "wearable philosophy" so special. Read on...
Focus on the Coast: Explain the philosophy behind the "sustainable" journey of Prophetik's clothing line?
Jeff Garner: A lot of companies don't focus on all areas of a product's sustainability. Some companies pick one thing like sustainable fabric and then they consider themselves a 'green' company. I think there's more to it than that. That's only the gist of it.
Q: How is Prophetik eco-friendly?
A: We call it 'sustainable' and it's through the whole process including the drying, the packaging, even how we travel - is all sustainable.
Q: What is "wearable philosophy" about?
A: That came about when the vision of Prophetik came about. I looked at the industry and saw a gap between the industry and what people wear. Clothing is an extension of oneself. Some of the statements that we use are conversation pieces. It's much more than someone just buying something and looking good; it becomes a part of them.
Q: What are some common misconceptions consumers have about "green" businesses and products?
A: There was a study based on 100 eco-friendly businesses that, sadly, came back that only 10% of these were certified "green" and doing what they said they did. For example, in the fashion business, there was a big rush on bamboo. But the reality is that to use bamboo as a fabric is not a sustainable process. So it goes against what being "green" is all about. A lot of companies used bamboo to enter the "green" market. That's one that's totally misperceived. Just one.
Another example, I do some consulting for Whole Foods stores. This one particular store was carrying an "eco-friendly" line of screen-printed t-shirts. They were trying to get by being eco-friendly based on the concept that it's organic cotton. But the burnout process of the screen-printing is taking a nasty chemical that eats out the poly. It looks amazing, but the reality is that the chemical is gnarly. I've seen people get sick from working in factories where it's used and from the runoff. That's something most consumers wouldn't know. It's sad. The consumers buy these lines, but the lines don't go all the way (being sustainable and eco-friendly).
Q: How do you feel about bringing the Prophetik line to Wilmington?
A: I love Wilmington. It's this creative, artistic community. Back in my younger days, I was up for the lead role in Dawson's Creek against James Van Deer Beek. It's such a creative arts community. I think you guys are on the edge of growth. So to go in the way of the green sustainable movement is great. There is a hunger for it. I think the communitywould support and take it in.
Q: What items will you be carried at Island Passage?
A: They choose what pieces they want to carry. There's a beautiful dress that's painted by elephants. Each dress is unique. The proceeds go back to the sanctuary. The elephant is from the Asian Elephant Conservatory. Also hemp pieces, skinny hemp jeans and boyfriend jackets - a very light, beachy summer line.
Q: Tell me about the dress painted by elephants?
A: We have a line of silk cut up and the elephants paint on that. They paint for two hours a day with their trunks. My whole theory is that these elephants are not disposable. They can take care of themselves with our help. There's a responsibility as humans to change the world that we live in and take care of what we've changed and manipulated in the eco-system.
Prophetik
Eco-friendly wearable philosphy
www.prophetik.com
Island Passage - Wilmington, NC
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