Preferred material matrix
When we select materials, it is always with a desire to be able to choose the material that has the least impact on nature. Unfortunately, this is not always an option as some materials have large minimums, which we unfortunately cannot meet, and which would ultimately end up as waste. Therefore, our choice is always a thorough balance between different parameters.
Our creative team works closely with our sourcing & technical team to combine the best fabrics and accessories with the desired design and properties.
The final decisions are always made with a focus on keeping each design as a long-lasting piece.
We believe one of the key factors to any journey for making our world a better place is producing high-quality garments that last. This has always been, and will always be, a central part of the Stella Nova DNA.
We test and validate the finished design properties and durability. Among others, this is done by wash and wear tests but also by obtaining technical quality specifications.
On top of our influence as a brand, fortunately, the industry works hard to improve all the time, and we follow this development closely.
As a starting point, we stick to well-documented materials and processes. This is in order not to jump on board with new trends that later turn out not to have the advantages that were first assumed.
cotton
In 2022, we took a significant and crucial step by deciding not to produce any cotton-based styles in China unless the entire value chain is certified by the
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
This decision stems from a United Nations report released in August 2022, which claims the occurrence of forced labor and modern slavery in the Xinjiang Province, particularly affecting the Uighur minority.
The situation becomes exceptionally critical as 80-90% of China's domestic cotton is sourced from Xinjiang Province.
You can read more about the issue with cotton from the Xinjiang Province here and here.
The cotton utilized in Stella Nova styles will predominantly be obtained from India, Turkey, and Brazil, and suppliers are required to provide documentation verifying the origin of the cotton.
Stella Nova Styles in cotton labeled 'made in China' will consistently be crafted from
GOTS-certified cotton. However, since Stella Nova is not yet GOTS certified, we are currently not permitted to use the GOTS label on our clothes.
Denim
Our denim production exclusively takes place in Izmir, Turkey, where 100% of the electricity is generated through their solar systems.
They are also GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, and all products are being produced in their internal lines.
leather
All our leather styles are meticulously crafted in India, with the advantage of our supplier maintaining direct control as the owner of the manufacturing facility. Furthermore, the skins originate from a supplier with LWG certification, holding the esteemed status of a gold member.
LWG Leather Manufacturer Audit Standard assessing the environmental impact of leather production. Over time, the scope has grown to be holistic, with increased importance in key impact areas within the leather supply chain. As an organization, they aim to have a positive impact on the environment, as well as communities, through driving:
Increased supply chain traceability & transparency
Increased knowledge & access to data
Improved resource efficiency in leather production
Reduced waste generation and emissions to the environment
Improved chemical management and increased use of non-hazardous chemicals
Increased due diligence on the issues of deforestation and animal welfare
Improved working conditions and fair treatment of workers
