Cuyana

Cuyana was founded by Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah through their common goal of creating a sustainable, responsible, and conscious womenswear brand. Gallardo was inspired by her childhood in Ecuador, where she witnessed the importance of heritage craftsmanship and traditional artistry, and sought to carry this tradition forward. To support local economies and reduce their carbon footprint, Cuyana collaborates with family-run suppliers that are located near their material extraction sites. Some of their materials include leather, recycled plastic, silk, cashmere, cotton, pima modal, cotton poplin, linen, alpaca, and more. Due to their minimal waste philosophy, the brand produces in small batches, buying as close to the demand as possible. In 2019, the brand sold 90% of the products produced, while the average industry competitor sold 60-70%. Some of Cuyana’s certifications include BlueSign, FSC, GOTS, GRS, ISO14001, LWG, OEKO-TEX100, RWS, SMETA, and WRAP.

Cuyana’s Revive program, a platform where customers can buy and sell pre-loved Cuyana items, supports the longevity of their products and reduces waste. Not only does Revive give these products a new life, but it also increases accessibility to luxury and sustainable goods. To learn more about Cuyana’s sustainable initiatives, click here.

Website: Cuyana