What inspired you to start a sustainable sweater line?
IAIOS was born in 1990 as a small brand in a village called Granollers. It was my own father who created the brand in order to offer a 100% recycled sweater made in local industries. The sweater had a great success among the population in the region but the crisis in the textile sector in Spain and the closure of factories made impossible the local manufacturing of jerseys and the sweater ceased production. 10 years later I was very interested in sustainable fashion and I casually found a weaver who had no use for a machine to spin wool. I decided to recover the legendary production of this type of sweaters with a renovated design and a modern and sustainable message.
What is your company’s mission?
An IAIOS sweater is made to last for many years as part of a philosophy opposed to the overwhelming consumerism of the current scene. So, anyone who has an IAIOS understands that its purchase is not only causing economic and ecological savings but is also promoting the local economy made up of small businesses.
Who is your customer?
An IAIOS is a sustainable sweater for young and modern people who appreciate the authenticity of a high-quality item of clothing with an ecological and social value. One who wears an IAIOS is someone with an open mind, young in spirit and who wants to take part in a better world.
Is there someone who inspires you and why?
The name IAIOS means something like grandparents. It is an expression that we use in Spain to speak affectionately about an old person. That is why every sweater of the IAIOS collection is identified with an old person like artists, writers, philosophers and wise people who were able to leave a mark on our history and bring good things to the world. I like the idea you can wear a Louise Bourgeois or a Víktor Korchnoi sweater because it lets you appreciate the value of wisdom and durable things made with care and caring for the environment.
Other than your own, which sustainable fashion brands do you like?
I like Thinking Mu, Ecoology, Rebel Root and also Susi Sweet dress. I would really like to know them personally and to collaborate with them on different projects.
Just For Fun
What’s your spirit animal?
The horse
Lara Crawford says
I read this article with relish. My own store carries stylish but eco fashion brands of fashion accessories only. I am always looking for apparel brands to partner with. For instance, I wore the same dress for 30 days to showcase how fashion accessories are responsible for changing a look. So, as we learn to wear the same clothing over and over, we can add flair with accessories in order to extend the opportunity to have other looks.
It’s important that brands create quality for the consumer so their is more incentive to love it and to wear it over and over.