Anián Mfg is the “idea and implementation of circular fashion” come to life, according to company president Paul Long.
Author of the article: Aleesha Harris – Vancouver Sun
The Vancouver Island clothing company Anián Mfg is the “idea and implementation of circular fashion” come to life, according to company president Paul Long.
The brand uses textiles made from post-consumer waste to create timeless garments. Used fabrics are sorted by color, shredded, washed, carded (a process that helps to intermix the fibers), spun, and woven on large looms to create a ‘new’ fabric.
Q: For those who aren’t familiar, what is Anián Mfg?
A: Anián is a Victoria-based clothing company that specializes in post-consumer waste clothing. We work closely with textile recycling facilities in Europe to repurpose and salvage textile waste. This creates far less impact, uses less water, less energy, and removes textile waste from landfills. But, if you looked at our clothing, you would never know our material was once considered trash.
Q: Is there a story behind the name?
A: The Strait of Anián is a semi-mythical strait, showing up around 1560 via Marco Polo. It was believed by early cartographers to mark the boundary between North America and Asia — it was to permit access to the Northwest Passage from the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific.
In short, Anián represents a search for the unknown. If the Strait of Anián had existed, it would have changed the world, and thus we believe that Anián’s circular business model has the opportunity to equally alter the world.
Q: Who is the target customer?
A: Anián’s target customers are individuals that take pride in longevity and heritage quality goods. We seek to create garments that have the least impact on the world — and the best way to do that is to use clothing that already exists.
Q: Where are the products designed/made?
A: Anián is proudly designed in Victoria and made in Vancouver.
Q: What more can you share about the company’s practice of salvaging textiles for use in garments?
A: Recycling textiles isn’t a modern idea. For centuries, wool has been recycled, starting in the early 1800s when its high demand had us turning to old scraps and cutoffs. It was quite common to see “rag men” in cities around the world. They would travel around with their carts, collecting old fabrics and clothing to sell to manufacturers. This practice increased around WWII in North America and Europe when rationing became the norm. However, that was its peak, with the introduction of synthetics, the recycling processes of natural fibres all but disappeared.
Q: Is there a ‘hero’ product in the line?
A: Anián’s hero product is probably our first one — the Modern Melton; this product embodies everything Anián stands for. Melton cloth is traditionally used in pea coats worn by sailors. Melton wool’s weave is so tight that it’s resistant to both wind and water. It’s breathable, insulating, and has a timeless, sharp look. Anián’s Modern Melton is manufactured from 80 per cent recycled wool, 20 per cent nylon and only needs to be washed once a year.
Q: What is the price range for Anián Mfg designs?
A: Our goods range from $135 for a button-up to $189 for our Melton wools. We do have lower-priced accessories such as hats and toques for $50 and socks below the $20 mark.
Q: And, lastly, where can people check them out?
A: Online at anianmfg.com and at 575 Johnson St. in Victoria.