ZARAMIA AVA in Yorkshire Evening Post Supporting Smart Works 2nd Birthday Event
in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION, PUBLICATION, EVENT
ZARAMIA AVA Featured in Yorkshire Evening Post for Smart Works Leeds Fashion Event
in PUBLICATION, EVENT, FASHION
Feature reads
‘The Smart Works Leeds Fashion Sale will take place on Friday, November 12, from 6pm at the Corn Exchange. It will offer donated designer and high-end high street pieces in all sizes, at hugely discounted prices, alongside beautiful items donated by Yorkshire designers and fashion brands. Taking part on the night will be Bo Carter, Moon Muse Vintage, The Pod, Katherine Manley, Zara Mia Ava, Glitter Glamour Boutique and Katie & May. Proceeds will go to Smart Works Leeds. Tickets are £5 and include a glass of fizz per shopper, available via this Ticket Tailor link or by emailing leeds@smartworks.org.uk. Yorkshire designers and retailers please email amy.harrison@smartworks.org.uk if you would like to donate stock for this and other Smart Works Leeds events.’
ZARAMIA AVA Featured in The Little Black Book of Leeds
in PUBLICATION, MAGAZINE , FASHION
We are honoured Zara-Mia the founder of ZARAMIA AVA is featured in The Little Black Book of Leeds for Leeds Art University Alumni.
The feature reads:
ZARAMIA AVA is an independent fashion label based in Leeds. Established by BA (Hons) Fashion alumna ZaraMia, shortly after her graduation in 2013. ZaraMia aspires to create an ethical, sustainable, gender neutral luxury brand; “for the fashion conscious with a conscience”.
https://leeds.independentlife.co.uk/little-black-book-of-leeds
Read the online copy here
https://issuu.com/independentlife/docs/little-black-book-leeds-4
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Go Green in Leeds
We are so happy to be featured on Go Green in Leeds
‘Leeds’ Clothing Store Inspires Sustainability Against Rise of Fast Fashion’
by Molly Paul
Read it here
ZARAMIA AVA has been Featured in a Publication on Gramersi
in PUBLICATION, SUSTAINABLE, MAGAZINE , FASHION
We are so happy to have been featured in a publication on Gramersi
‘The ZARAMIA AVA Story By Laurene Rey-Millet’
Read the story here!
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Green Orchyd your Eco-Fashion Marketplace
in MAGAZINE , SUSTAINABLE, FASHION
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Michelle Tyler Style With a Conscience
We have been Featured on Michelle Tyler Style With a Conscience list of PETA Approved Vegan Fashion Brands.
{V} ZaraMia Ava: Women and menswear made from bamboo and other vegan products
Read about it here!
ZARAMIA AVA Featured in Babystep Magazine
in MAGAZINE , SUSTAINABLE, FASHION
We have been Featured in Babystep Magazine
Read the article here!
‘ The Leeds-based eco fashion brand leading the way for equality.
As issues surrounding sustainability, gender equality and inclusivity are more often than
ever becoming topics of conversation, the fashion industry in particular faces new
expectations to meet.
A fashion brand producing collections that address all three of these matters is Leeds-based
ZaraMia Ava, introducing waste-free and genderless ranges, alongside catering for those
with invisible disabilities. Zara-Mia, the founder of the brand and Leeds Arts University
alumnus, prides herself on its inclusivity, stating that there are no ‘labels’ when it comes to
the clothing.
Items are made to order, using materials such as bamboo and organic cotton, meaning that
once they’re gone, they’re gone, unlike the common unsustainable fast-fashion approaches
popular today that encourage increase in land waste. The brand’s logo itself, being an
octagon, represents regeneration and infinity, symbolising its mission for sustainable
fashion practice.
The niche market of catering for those with disabilities is rarely seen within fashion,
however ZaraMia Ava are aiming to change this, designing items with soft fabrics and
external labels that can be worn by those with sensory issues, as well as their use of organic
materials meaning those with skin allergies don’t experience sensitivity.
Last year, Abbey House Museum in Leeds hosted their ‘He She They?’ exhibition,
showcasing the evolution of genderless clothing through time. ZaraMia Ava contributed as
the contemporary designer for the event, showcasing miniature versions of their genderless
range.
The overall aim of the brand is to inspire people to make better choices when it comes to
fashion, encouraging a sustainable conscience, whilst also promoting freedom and
versatility within clothing.
Shop the label here: https://www.zaramiaava.com ‘
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Living Lightly in Ireland
in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION
We have been Featured on Living Lightly in Ireland
Read the article here
‘ Zaramia Ava are against fast fashion and state that all of their garments are designed to be timeless, most of them lined to increase durability. They are season-less made to be worn any time of year, produced with quality, and made to last. They also try to minimise waste at every opportunity and most of their garments are handmade to order in the UK, unless stated otherwise. They use end-of-roll fabrics and organic fabric and pattern cutting and fabric cutting is done to eliminate the amount of waste. They also recycle what they use including all fabric-off cuts, samples, pattern paper, card etc ‘
ZARAMIA AVA featured in the Belle Bridal Magazine
in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION
ZARAMIA AVA has been featured in the Belle Bridal Magazine.
The ‘All Hallows Eve’ theme wedding photoshoot’ was an amazing collaboration with some very talented people.
‘His outfit was an eco-masterpiece by the gloriously creative Zaramia Ava, a local Leeds designer who specialises in eco-fabrics to produce planet and style conscious creations.’
Read the publication here.
Our menswear was worn by the male model.
CREDITS
PLANNER - Our Story Begins
STYLIST - Skellon Events & Productions
VENUE - Eiger Studios
PHOTOGRAPHY - Laura Williams Weddings
VIDEOGRAPHY - Get Reel
DRESS - Quinlan Couture Bridal
BOOTS - House of Elliott
MALE ATTIRE - ZARAMIA AVA
HAIR & MAKEUP - Charlotte Hubbard Make-up
JEWELLERY - Sam Ryde Jewellery
HAIR ACCESSORY - Hair Blossom by Sophie
STATIONARY - Lorna Boyer Design
CLAY KEEPSAKES - Grace Holly Designs
LOLLIPOP - Willow & Boo
MODELS - Charlotte Siddons & Danny from Fat Punk Studio
PUBLICATION - Belle Bridal Magazine
ZARAMIA AVA Featured in The Yorkshire Post
in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION
We are very happy to be featured in the Yorkshire Post!
Click here to read the article
ZARAMIA AVA Featured in The Yorkshire Post
“The Leeds luxury eco fashion brand making a difference with every cut, stitch and drape.
Leeds fashion brand ZaraMia Ava is pioneering inclusive sustainable fashion with zero waste and repurposed collections including genderless clothing and designs for those with hidden disabilities and sensitive skin. Stephanie Smith talks to its founder.“
‘ The Leeds luxury eco fashion brand making a difference with every cut, stitch and drape
Leeds fashion brand ZaraMia Ava is pioneering inclusive sustainable fashion with zero waste and repurposed collections including genderless clothing and designs for those with hidden disabilities and sensitive skin. Stephanie Smith talks to its founder.
Friday, 9th October 2020, 4:45 pm
art of a collaboration with the HE SHE THEY? exhibition. MIU Black linen sleeveless top, £100; taupe organic cotton top, £215; and skirt, £95. Right: Black linen dress, £120; taupe dress, £245; black leggings, £125; necklace, £19.95. | PHOTOGRAPHER- NIDA MOZURAITE |PHOTOMANIC PHOTOGRAPHY, | MODELS - NATALIE CLUFO GREEN & MABZ BEET, | HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST - NAOMI JADE NICHOLSON, | FASHION DESIGNER & STYLIST- ZARAMIA AVA
ZaraMia Ava is a fashion label that does not believe in fashion labels. Many of the Leeds-based brand’s customers want clothing that they can style uniquely to suit themselves. “I didn’t want to put labels out there,” says Zara-Mia, the founder, designer and chief maker of all the ZaraMia Ava main collections. “When styling on photoshoots, I mix it up and make it androgynous. I feel fashion is getting quite inclusive.”
In February last year, the brand featured in an exhibition entitled He She They? at Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall, Leeds, curated by the Vintage Youth Club, exploring genderless clothing from the Victorian era to the present day.
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“They chose ZaraMia Ava as their contemporary designer of genderless clothing,” says Zara-Mia. “We made miniature versions of our genderless clothing for the exhibition.”
Fashion designer Zara-Mia of Zara Mia Ava
Zara-Mia, 30, was born and brought up in Leeds. Her father, Nick, is a complementary therapist, while her mother, Elaine, works with Zara-Mia as the brand’s operations manager. Zara-Mia’s brothers, Alex and Nathan, are both authors.
“My parents are such a great influence,” she says. “From a young age, they always let us follow what we wanted to pursue, which inspired such a creative family.”
She studied at Leeds College of Art (now Leeds Arts University), graduating in 2012 with first class honours in her Fashion degree. “When shopping I could never find exactly what I was looking for so I decided to make my own clothes,” she says. “Then I was asked where I got them from and started making garments for other people, and things progressed from there.
“I admired Vivienne Westwood for her ethical activism through fashion and Alexander McQueen for his controversial fashion that empowered women. I like creatives who think out of the box and have a sustainable approach. I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. It is my passion.”
Organic cotton twill jacket, £405; EMI Zigzag end of dress £230; Identitiy necklace, £18.50. CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER - DMITRIJ VASILENKO, | MODEL - ALIX DENT, | VEGAN CRUELTY FREE MAKEUP ARTIST - CHARLOTTE HUBBARD, | FASHION DESIGNER & STYLIST - ZARAMIA AVA, | STUDIO - FABRICATION
Creating the costumes for All Creatures Great and Small
Sustainability and ethics have always underpinned the brand and its development, creating sustainable luxury, produced with zero waste, made for fashion-conscious people with a conscience. The brand uses end-of-roll fabrics, many with beautifully striking, limited-edition prints. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone” says Zara-Mia.
Contrasting structured shapes with fluid draping is fundamental to ZaraMia Ava’s distinctive take on minimalistic functional clothing, made to order using sustainable materials including bamboo, organic cotton and Irish linen.
The Identity range is made using a variety of small Yorkshire and UK artisans and manufacturers. For example, the crocheting and printing is done locally.
MI end of roll limited edition print kimono dress, £230; AYAME black bamboo jacket, £350; AI Zero Waste scarf, £80; organic cotton twill Obi belt, £100; Identity Logo necklace, £18.50. CREDITS | PHOTOGRAPHER- DMITRIJ VASILENKO, | MODEL - ALIX DENT, | VEGAN CRUELTY FREE MAKEUP ARTIST - CHARLOTTE HUBBARD, | FASHION DESIGNER & STYLIST - ZARAMIA AVA, | STUDIO- FABRICATION
Following UN sustainable development goals, Zara-Mia has made a circular fashion pledge to try to ensure that her brand is part of a movement that uses materials already in existence and does not use the earth’s resources to create more. Part of this involves working towards making pieces entirely out of the same material – for example, organic bamboo – so that when the garment is no longer needed and is returned, it can be remade into something else. With the outsourced circular printed T-shirts, the returner receives £5 towards another garment.
Of course, the brand is named after Zara-Mia herself, with the addition of Ava, meaning life. “That’s what my fashion brand is to me,” she says. “As I also do graphic design, I designed the logo. The octagon has many symbolic meanings that we identify with – infinity, regeneration and transition.”
Most customers are UK-based but she also ships worldwide. “Our customers are creative. We encourage them to style our multi-purpose pieces. We love that they become the stylists.
“We also cater for a niche market of customers that have invisible disabilities. We line most of our fabrics to make them more durable, cover the seams, and we try to put labels on the outside and use soft fabrics that are gentle for people with sensory issues and pain. Also our bamboo and organic cotton clothing is popular with customers who have skin allergies and sensitivities.”
The favourite Emi dress, £230
Many of the pieces can be worn in a variety of ways. Zara-Mia says: “The Emi dress is my favourite because of its versatility. I have it in a few different colourways. I wear it throughout the day with layers like the Ayame jacket and Rei leggings and dress it up at night with the mini Dai jacket. I get so many compliments when I wear the Emi dress I always have to take my business cards wherever I go.”
Zara-Mia makes sure she cuts all her designs to make best use of the fabrics and minimise waste. “All the waste fabric from pattern cutting gets used to make our zero waste accessories,” she says.
“We hope to inspire people to make better choices, have a clear conscience by being part of something bigger, making a difference for a better world.”
All the collections and ranges are sold online on the website www.ZaraMiaAva.com ‘
ZARAMIA AVA Featured in the Yorkshire Voice
in SUSTAINABLE, EXHIBITION , FASHION
We have been Featured in the Yorkshire Voice.
Read the article here
ZaraMia, owner of ZaraMia Ava – a zero-waste exclusive independent label – said: “Quite a lot of fast fashion brands are greenwashing, saying they are ethical and sustainable but are lying just to follow the growing trend. They need to have transparency and credibility.
“More and more brands are understanding the importance of sustainability and consumers are becoming more aware. It’s all about education and for people to see the benefits.”
Another way to take part in shopping for clothes sustainably is by heading to a charity shop, or attending a local Kilo Sale – a preloved sale, bought by the kilo.
ZaraMai said that this is one way of being ethical as it helps the circular economy, and prevents huge amounts of garments from going to landfill.
ZARAMIA AVA 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge
in SUSTAINABLE, FASHION
ZARAMIA AVA has committed to the 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge
We are very happy to be involved with such an amazing initiative to help change the fashion industry, be more sustainable and adapt and improve our methods towards circular fashion.
About the 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge:
The 2020 Circular Fashion Pledgebrings together fashion brands that are on a mission to change the industry. We recognize fashion’s significant contribution to climate change, toxic waterways and ocean pollutants, land use, and more. We know that the culture of low-cost, short-lasting clothing is contributing to tremendous waste all along the supply chain – and in consumers’ closets.
To solve these problems, each brand signatory has committed to taking specific actions in 2020 to lead the industry toward a more circular model. (www.2020circularfashion.com)
Our Commitments
Each of us has committed to taking specific actions in 2020 to lead the industry toward a more circular model. We are collectively committing to address the U.N. Sustainable Develop Goal (SDG) 12.5, to substantially reduce waste generation by 2030.
Specifically, we pledge to at least one of the below actions:
(www.2020circularfashion.com)
01
ENABLE TAKE-BACK OR RESALE
SPECIFIC ACTION IN 2020
By the end of 2020, launch at least one method or partnership to enable your customers to send-back or resell their used items.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Providing options to resale, upcycle, repair, donate, or recycle items gives them new life and keeps them out of landfills.
02
INCREASE RECYCLED CONTENT
SPECIFIC ACTION IN 2020
By the end of 2020, increase the total percentage of certified recycled content or scrap fabric by 10-percent in your top 5 selling items.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Producing garments using recycled content sends a demand signal that spurs growth in the recycling market.
03
DESIGN FOR DURABILITY
SPECIFIC ACTION IN 2020
By the end of 2020, increase the use of non-blended materials, and/or modularity and repairability in your top 5 selling items.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Designing items so they can be repaired, upcycled, or recycled ensures that those items and materials stay in circulation.
To find out more go to
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on klooker
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Think Thread | A Brand For The Fashion Conscious With a Conscience
ZARAMIA AVA has been Featured on Think Thread | A Brand For The Fashion Conscious With a Conscience
Read the article here:
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Living Lightly In Ireland | 78 Sustainable Ethical Irish & European Clothing Brands
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Living Lightly In Ireland | 78 Sustainable Ethical Irish & European Clothing Brands
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ZARAMIA AVA featured in the He She They? Exhibition at Abbey House Museum
ZARAMIA AVA has been involved in the He She They? Exhibition at Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall, Leeds.
The exhibition has been curated by the vintage youth group, they explored genderless clothing from the past Victorian era to present day.
Images of the making process from drafting blocks to pattern cutting, fabric cutting then sewing.
Images of the ZARAMIA AVA cabinet, showing the sustainable fashion process, in the He She They? Exhibition
Images showing the sustainable design process, in the He She They? Exhibition
Images of Zara-Mia Ava Installing the exhibition and of the He She They? exhibition launch
Interview for the interactive video shown at the Exhibition
Zara-Mia Ava studied at Leeds Art University achieving a first in a BA Fashion Degree initially made clothing for herself then family and friends. Zara-Mia decided to set up the brand as she wanted to offer clothing not available in the marketplace.
After finding out the impact the fashion industry has on the environment, it became obvious that setting up a small sustainable business was the only way to go. It was important there was no animal cruelty involved, so no animal by products were to be used for the business.
The aim is to be as sustainable and zero waste as possible throughout the process.The sourcing of ethical fabrics narrows down the material choices but it is important to the brand that all future purchases will be ethical. Fabric is chosen for the least environmental impact like Irish linen, bamboo and organic cotton. We also use end of roll fabrics which will avoid them being sent to landfill.
The choice of genderless garments came about to include everyone regardless their age size or gender and the zero waste pattern cutting enables the garments to fit both genders.
ZARAMIA AVA was interested in getting involved with exhibition as it’s always good to collaborate and work on new products, whilst educating and informing others about slow fashion and sustainability.
The garments were chosen for the exhibition as mainly they are a mini version of the adult clothing.
The dark grey jersey trousers were made with cut off fabric remnants from previous collections, they are a hareem style dropped crotch with a tight leg.
The cloud print long sleeve top is also made with cut off fabric remnants from previous collections, although not sustainable fabric in its own right it is using up what we already have without waste.
The wrap top is made using a lighter grey Irish linen which is a sustainable fabric and can be worn in many ways to create different looks making the garment versatile to the wearer.
The longer wrap garment also using the lighter grey Irish linen can be worn fastened, open, alone or over the other complementary garments.
The colours tone in nicely to give a neutral but stylish look.
Images of the ZARAMIA AVA ethical childrenswear products, commissioned especially for the He She They? Exhibition. Photos by Gold Bespoke Photography.
Images from The Genderless Photoshoot inspired by the He She They? Exhibition
Credits: Photographer | Nida Mozuraite from PhotoManic Photography || Models | Natalie Ciufo Green & Mabz Beet Hair & Makeup Artist | Naomi Jade Nicholson || Designer & Stylist | ZARAMIA AVA || Location | Leeds Art Gallery
Image of the He She They? Exhibition from the Yorkshire Evening Post Newspaper taken by Abbey House Museum
He She They? The Changing Face of Children’s Fashion Exhibition, is available to view, at Abbey House Museum until January 19th 2020.
Links about the He She They? Children’s Exhibition
ZARAMIA AVA Featured on Leeds Hacks | Leeds Firm Fights Against Fast Fashion
ZARAMIA AVA is Featured on Leeds Hacks | Leeds Firm Fights Against Fast Fashion
Read it here
http://www.leedshacks.co.uk/business/leeds-firm-fights-fast-fashion/
ZARAMIA AVA is a PETA-Approved Vegan Fashion brand.
ZARAMIA AVA is now a PETA-Approved Vegan Fashion brand. We are very excited to say we are now a PETA-Approved Vegan brand.
We are vegan at ZARAMIA AVA. We try have a small carbon footprint. No animals are injured or have died to make you look good! We believe in cruelty free.
‘PETA-Approved Vegan
Vegan fashion – clothes, shoes and accessories that contain no leather, fur, wool, skin, exotic skins or any other animal-derived fabric – is revolutionising the way that we shop and dress. As more and more people vow never to clothe themselves in cruelty, retailers and designers are meeting the demand for animal-friendly clothes in style.
Although you can easily find fashionable animal-free products in many high-street stores, some companies go further, either by ensuring that everything they sell is 100 per cent vegan or by clearly sign-posting their vegan products. Our “PETA-Approved Vegan” logo is a way of recognising these progressive compassionate businesses – and helping ethical consumers identify where to shop with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they’re not supporting the exploitation of animals.’ www.peta.org.uk
All our Menswear & Womenswear Clothing and Accessories are vegan. We mainly use organic and bamboo fabrics.
We thank Peta for all their support, use of their Vegan logo and feel very privileged to have our link on there PETA-Approved vegan brand list.
ZARAMIA AVA Featured In NAKED THREADS Magazine
ZARAMIA AVA Featured In NAKED THREADS Ethical Magazine
Creature of consumption
‘A photo series that plays homage to the Clive King novel Stig of the Dump, exploring constant consumption with a fantasy twist’.
Styling & Art Direction | @alexandra_j_reed
Model | @sarahangel_sarahangel
Mua | @helenabettsmua | www.helenabetts.com
Photographer | @heatherlea_photography | www.heatherleaphoto.com
Fashion Designer | @zaramiaava | www.zaramiaava.com
