Komodo is all about sustainable fashion. This UK-based ethical clothing company grew out of an epic travel adventure story back in 1988 and has led the way as a pioneer brand in the use and development of organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, tencel and other natural fibres. We spoke to Joe Komodo, the man behind the Komodo brand, back in May last year in ‘The importance of ethical fashion’. It was great to have the opportunity to catch up with him again as we launch a Komodo collection of winter warmers into the Yogamatters range.
Organic Cotton
Each of the fabrics in the Komodo range is carefully selected for its ethical and sustainable qualities. Why is this important?
Well, regular garments can be hugely polluting – regular cotton uses tons of chemical fertilisers and water; polyester and nylons use a lot of chemicals too. So we recognise that the most important part of reducing pollution from fashion is choosing better fabrics to start with…
What matters most in your designs – comfort and style or eco and ethical considerations?
You mean which chicken makes the best omelettes? Why, heck, at Komodo, we’ve managed to combine comfort, style and our eco ‘n’ ethical considerations! It all matters to us!
How has Komodo developed a relationship of trust, loyalty and respect with its suppliers and the people who work in the small factory units that make its clothes?
Well, I think the most important way to earn trust and loyalty is to pay them on time – or better still early. It’s surprising how few brands do it, so we hear from most suppliers. It’s also important to visit them and many brands don’t do that either. I think it’s our responsibility to help them where we can – they sure help us!
Komodo has been using merino wool in its clothing collection for a long time. What is so special about merino wool? Why is it a desirable material for quality woollen garments?
Merino is a breed of sheep with long soft hair. In fibres, longer is always better. It makes softer yarn and better quality garments. So we try to source the best we can.
Could you explain the controversy that has arisen around the production of merino wool?
There is rightly a major concern from animal rights groups about the welfare of the merino sheep. Wool is almost all controlled by wool boards and it was, and still is, hard to know where your sheep live and how the wool is harvested. The practice of mulesing came to light and…er…ruffled a lot of feathers!
How did the team at Komodo become aware of the complex mulesing issue?
It was our retail clients in Germany, Switzerland and Holland who confronted us with this issue that had come to them from members of the public complaining in their stores. And to be honest, I didn’t really know much about it or what we could do. The practice of cutting the backside of the sheep is no doubt painful for them…Australian farmers argued it protected them from disease…
What chain of action did these initial comments from customers set into motion?
So we had to do some research and we found that we felt mulesing was unnecessary given modern alternatives. We went back to our factories and yarn suppliers and demanded some answers from them. Things went back down the supply chain…until someone said ‘Baa…Ram…Ewe…’
What reassurances can you now offer your customers about the merino wool that you use?
So finally we found some better sources that were certified by Woolmark. These were from South African sheep instead of the usual Australian ones (the practice is not so accepted there). So now I can assure you we have much more consciously sourced wool from sheep who don’t have to suffer mulesing. By voting with the most powerful political tool we have, our pockets, we’re sending a message to old-fashioned farmers that this is not OK anymore.
Yogamatters is now stocking a range of cosy Komodo hats, gloves, scarves, socks, jumpers and leggings ready for the winter months ahead. What three words would you use to sum up your Komodo A/W collection?
Hmmm…erm….cosy….fabulous….’n’ fair!
You can shop the Komodo range on the Yogamatters website here.
