Wendy Crowe knows lingerie. The Wendy Glez Collection (Glez is an abbreviation of her maiden name, Gonzalez) has received accolades for its incredible fit and versatility, blurring the line between innerwear and outwear. Next on her plate is Wendy Glez Organic, an innovative line of lingerie and loungewear that is not only sexy and comfortable, but also environmentally friendly, launching this spring.
FPD: Why is organic so important to you, and when did you decide that this was something you needed to incorporate into your collection?
WC: Creating a line that helps the environment and helps the people and animals in it, is important to me. I was raised by a vegetarian mother, that is a naturalist and a philanthropist, so it was only natural for me to start this line.
FPD: Tell me a bit about the performance/benefits of using bamboo and organic cotton in lingerie/intimates?
WC: Using natural fibers in lingerie and sleep wear is always better than using man-made materials. Bamboo fabric for example is softer than cotton with a texture similar to silk. It is a naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic product grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. It is also quick to absorb moisture, therefore keeping you dry and odor free. Pure bamboo clothes can dry twice as fast as cotton clothes. Bamboo clothes can be worn all year round as they keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Cotton is the only fiber that becomes stronger when wet, and it is biodegradable and a renewable resource.
FPD: Did you have to do a lot of r&d before you settled on the fabrications, processes, and colors that are included in the Organic line?
WC: Launching the organic line was a long process, especially when it is hard to find dyeing companies that can do AZO-free low impact dyes, which can also do washes or tie-dye techniques that are current.
FPD: What has been the reaction thus far (buyers, friends) to the Wendy Glez Organic line?
WC: When I started Wendy Glez lingerie & lounge wear seven years ago, my mission was to design a line that incorporated sustainable practices. So for years, customers have been wearing Wendy Glez, that is manufactured in Los Angeles, from a sweat-shop free environment and using laces from France and Italy from mills that practice sustainable and eco-free measures. So… when I launched Wendy Glez organic, my customers felt that it was a natural transition to what I already sold to them. I must admit that I have added new “Organic” stores since I launched it, so little by little I feel I am covering all my basis.
FPD: What are the prices like for the Organic line, and how does it compare to your signature line (price wise and in other aspects)?
WC: The organic line has comparable prices to that of the regular line. The prices for a tunic/cami and pant set for the Organic will run aproxomitely to $140-160.
FPD: The new line launches in the spring; where can we find it?
WC: The new line will be out in stores the first week of March. In Canada it will be available at Holt Renfrew and in the USA it will be available at www.atropicalaffair.com , and Twig & Twill Organic boutique in Scottsdale, Arizona (to name a few).
FPD: I know you did a Wendy Glez for Anthropologie line; would you consider doing a lower-priced Wendy Glez Organic line with a big box retailer like Target, Wal-Mart, or Kohl’s?
WC: For Anthropologie we design styles for them and they purchase under our own label. Working with them is nice and selling my Organic line to Target would be really nice!
FPD: Ultimately, what message do you want to send with the new line to customers?
WC: My ultimate message that I want to send to others, is if they purchase their clothes from companies or designers like mine-not only do they contribute to help save the environment, but they will find themselves to be part of a lifestyle that is aware of the importance of eating healthy, caring for animals, and the importance of being physically active.
FPD: I see you have a blog – how long have you been writing it and do you feel its a medium to gauge feedback and engage with customers?
WC: I have been writing on my blog, off and on for maybe 6-7 months. It is very hard to find time to update it, but I feel it is important to reach my message to the blog world! I really want to inform others about animal issues, environmental issues, eco-fashion, sales, and moi! I hope that it will help me understand my consumers as well.
-Julia DiNardo
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