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James Bartle, founding CEO of Outland Denim shared a simple sentiment this week in Byron Bay: “What if you could create a pair of jeans that the by-product of buying and wearing it was that you were the one that activated a cycle of freedom?” It’s a complication notion to understand; that consumerism could make the world a better place. But for the launch of a collaborative capsule between the sister-founded label Spell and Outland Denim, it just makes sense.
On May 7, the co-branded partnership released a 5-piece limited-edition collection. Drawing inspiration from iconic ’70s era shapes and Western details, each piece was designed to empower, made with revolutionary social standards and using the cleanest raw materials and methods available.
From a highly versatile 100 percent organic cotton chambray shirt with a Western-style seamed yoke to high-rise wide-leg flare jeans, each style has been crafted with organic cotton, zero harmful chemicals, 100 percent vegan materials, and innovative water and energy saving technology.
The collaborative effort was made in the Outland Denim stand-alone production and finishing facilities in Cambodia, which were founded to offer holistic support, training and employment to young women who have experienced exploitation. The company provides a living wage, education, health services, and other benefits for its staff, proven to change the lives of its employees and create a freedom dividend, a ripple effect of positive impact, through their families and communities.
“We’ve spent the past three years mapping our supply chain, and denim has been difficult to source ethically – working with Outland, a brand which exists to eliminate exploitation, while also using less natural resources and chemicals in its Cambodian facilities – we’ve been introduced to an entirely new standard of supply chain transparency and responsibility,” states Elizabeth Abegg, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer, SPELL. “During a time where partnerships are integral to creating real change, we are so proud of this collaboration.”
The initial drop was so successful – nearly all styles and sizes were sold out in under 15 minutes – that Spell has opened the collection up for preorder. And in addition, the collection marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between the brands, as Spell confirms it will continue to work with Outland to produce future denim designs.
“We have a lot of respect for what Spell has created in a brand and, as an extension of that, a community where women can connect”, says James Bartle, Founding CEO of Outland Denim. “Spell has a strong aesthetic and iconic sense of personality, so to see our production house working with the Spell design lens has been a joy to watch. We need to collaborate on solutions if we are going to revolutionise the fashion industry, if we are going to use it to enrich the lives of people and protect the planet.”
Peruse the pieces below and shop the collection here.
