SUSTAINABILITY
Mission
Just like when we created the company, we strive today to act responsibly in all aspects of our business and want to inspire others to follow us on the journey to more sustainable consciousness- because we care.
Production
Our Ukrainian heritage is the cornerstone of KM by Lange, with 85% of our creations meticulously designed, developed, and crafted in Ukraine, while the remaining 15% is made in Spain. Our unwavering commitment to fair production has been ingrained in our ethos and practices since the inception of our brand. From the outset, we have championed the support of the local Ukrainian economy and empowered small women's collectives. Establishing a robust network of family-run suppliers and collaborating closely with local craftswomen, we ensure the enduring quality of each piece we create. Our collections, built to withstand the test of time, are brought to life by individuals we personally know and with whom we share a foundation of trust and a solid relationship.
Women-led
Our company is both run and led by a group of talented and experienced women.
Handcrafted + Artisanal
We protect and support the traditional skills and/or the ancient heritage of artisan communities in Ukraine. We use handmade techniques on some items, such as hand embroidery or crochet. All these techniques are carried out by Ukrainian craftswomen who are over 60 years old.
Fabrics
Each K M by L A N G E piece is created with the least possible environmental impact. 85% of our fabrics are organic, recycled or from deadstock. We know there is still much work to be done. For a better understanding of why our materials are so important, please read on below.
Deadstock
Deadstock fabrics, remnants from other fashion houses that overestimated their requirements, find a new life through our conscientious approach. We rescue these surplus materials before they face disposal, transforming them into fresh, purposeful creations. By salvaging deadstock, we inherently limit the availability of fabric. As a result, our collections often range from just three to a singular piece. This not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also ensures that each item we produce is unique.
Vintage capsule
We´ve also launched a curated vintage capsule to bring back to life beautiful pre-owned, vintage and handmade pieces that are special and one-of-a-kind and best of all, they already exist and so not a single bit of waste is produced by us creating them.
By curating and picking up second-hand items, we are extending the life of pre-owned items. With just 9 extra months of use, their carbon, water and waste footprints could be reduced by around 20-30%.
Babushka capsule
Growing up in Ukraine during the Soviet era, the designer's childhood was deeply shaped by her mother's resourcefulness in the realm of fashion. In an era where acquiring ready-made clothes from stores was a near-impossible feat, the designer watched her mother and friend craft garments from scratch. Fabric, a precious commodity, was often challenging to obtain. Yet, the designer’s Babushka (“Grandmother" in Ukrainian), possessed a remarkable ability for sourcing them through her connections, sparing not even an inch of material. All the fabrics acquired were meticulously designed in state-run fashion houses, scrutinized for their alignment with Communist ideals, and renowned for their exceptional quality. Fast forward more than 30 years, and the designer uncovered Babushka's carefully preserved fabrics, a tangible link to her heritage. Inspired by the history woven into each thread, the designer embarked on a journey to create a capsule collection using these vintage fabrics. The resulting collection, with its limited stock of pieces, is not just a fashion statement but a personal narrative. Intimate, rooted in authenticity, and a tribute to her upbringing, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of her Ukrainian roots.
Linen
Linen fibers stand out as among the most sustainable and natural options available. These plants grow fast, without the need for irrigation or pesticides, these plants. Our linen, carefully cultivated and processed, is exclusively sourced from Europe. Beyond its environmental benefits, linen boasts a luxurious feel when worn. Its highly absorbent nature is not only pleasant but also practical, effectively reducing static electricity around the body, thereby promoting comfort and alleviating stress
Wool
We only use wool occasionally but when we do, it comes from a family-run mill in Italy or Ukraine that has been weaving cloth for decades.
Hemp
The hemp that we use is sourced from a small Ukrainian workshop. They are a small family-run factory that specializes in hemp production. They craft each piece of fabric in their workshop entirely with their hands, making our offerings limited in quantity. The majority of the hemp used maintains its natural raw or ecru (off-white) state, untouched by any dying or chemical bleaching processes. Hemp plants, being naturally resilient to insects and diseases, require no pesticide use during cultivation. The rapid growth of hemp eliminates the need for herbicides against weeds, and remarkably, it consumes significantly less water than plants like cotton. Furthermore, hemp fibers share a microelectric voltage similar to our skin, making hemp apparel suitable for people with sensitive skin. With excellent moisture absorption, hemp provides a comfortable wear by efficiently balancing temperatures, offering warmth in winter and a cooling effect in summer. Adding to its appeal, hemp exhibits antibacterial properties and is completely biodegradable.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is produced and certified to organic farming standards. Its production sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural processes rather than artificial inputs. Organic cotton is grown without any artificial fertilisers, pesticides or genetically modified seeds. It doesn’t damage the soil, has less impact on the air, and uses less water and less energy. Organic cotton also means that the farmers are not exposed to toxic chemicals in their work.
Silk
We partner with TextileSeekers, who support Vietnamese textile ethnic tribes' silk and hemp manufactures and also serve as our provider of the utmost traditional and organic silk. The designer visited the group in Hanoi for the Mai Chau Tribes Textile Retreat of 2024, where she discovered ancestral textile knowledge. With this, we implemented spinning, stitching, silkwork, and needlework, incorporating elements including plants, animals, petals, leaves, and celestial bodies into our designs. We also learned how to use natural dyes to create indigo fabrics, which also will be used to develop a collection in the future.
Upcycling
Upcycling is an art that involves scouting for existing garments and reimagining them into refined and elevated creations. Our approach involves a meticulous search for high-quality treasures in vintage spaces. Brands like Lagerfeld Homme, Hugo Boss, Next, and Hamilton, each carrying its unique history, have been carefully curated in our collection. With boundless creativity, we breathe new life into these pieces, providing them with a fresh and distinctive identity. Our upcycling process is not just sustainable—it's a journey that guarantees 100% uniqueness and timelessness in every transformed creation.