The inspiration for Olistic came from Jaillant’s wide-ranging travels, which have so far taken her across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. 

Jaillant traces her brand’s overall look to her French-Swiss origins, with dresses that combine “effortless French elegance with a wild Swiss adventurous spirit.” She first conceived Olistic’s eco-friendly focus while studying fashion entrepreneurship in Australia, a country that has many sustainable clothing brands.

Olistic manufactures its range of dresses from GOTS-certified organic peace silk and PEFC / FSC-certified wood fibers. This means that all Olistic dresses can be composted after use, or recycled into a new garment.

Again, Jaillant’s travels helped shape a second aspect of Olistic’s sustainable mission — supporting female artisans. A global community of talented women produces the hand-embroidered design and shape of each Olistic dress. Jaillant sources organic fabrics handwoven by Indian women and sends these materials to Porto, where Olistic’s female tailors operate according to traditional know-how.

Importantly, Olistic prides itself on providing good employment terms. “We are redefining fashion production by better understanding our workers’ needs, and the amount of time they have to create beautiful designs,” said Jaillant.

This impressive business model did not come easily, and challenges still remain for Olistic’s continued sustainability. Jaillant spent months searching for Indian and Portuguese contacts who shared her unique vision for eco-friendly fashion. “Having a durable and strong relationship is what matters the most — but it takes time!” she said.

Jaillant also notes that 100 percent organic materials are more expensive, adding pressure to Olistic’s bottom line. She is looking to partner with eco-concept stores and other clothing retailers that are experienced in targeting environmentally conscious shoppers.

So far, Jaillant is excelling at spreading her luxury-environmentalism mashup by herself. Last year, she presented with Zoi Environment, an NGO, on the social impact of the fashion industry at a UN summit in Kenya. 

“Olistic is not just a brand,” she said. “It is also a label that supports sustainable practices in the fashion industry.”

Learn more about Olistic The Label through the website and Instagram. You can also send an email to contact@olisticthelabel.com.

Photos courtesy of Olistic The Label