HOw we work
We believe in thoughtful production. To us that means limited editions, made to order, and one of a kind pieces.
We limit our production to eliminate waste and to give each piece the time it needs to be truly special.
Our collections are nonseasonal in a production sense. Our designs are made to be timeless but may evolve to favor the changing seasons, the fabrics and trims that we find, and to allow for spontaneous creation. The shapes and silhouettes of the collections will stay in our line for as long as we like them.
We do not wholesale.
We upcycle.
We bring the ideals of sustainability into every part of our practice.
one at a time
We believe in making quality pieces one at a time.
All pieces are made from start to finish in our Berlin studio allowing for custom requests, whimsical patterns and personal touches.
Most of our pieces are one-of-a-kind or made in limited amounts depending on the fabrics that we source.
We honor our limits. We carry no stock, and once a new piece is finished it goes on the webshop.
MATERIALS
We respect and engage with our community. We source everything from family-run vendors locally or from vendors in Europe with an especially powerful social and environmental impact.
We only use high quality fabrics that will last a very long time and in some cases already have.
Material used for each garment is specified on the product page.
The fabrics that we use are usually limited to small amounts and we never know how much we can find of any particular one. Occasionally we are only able to make one piece in a certain style. If we have more fabric we can do a little series/suit. The series are usually limited to a handful of pieces.
We use kapok, hypoallergenic fibers of a seedpod from the ceiba tree, as filling for pillow and insulation for garments. We take care to use only ethically and sustainably sourced kapok from South America.
One-of-a-kind
Antique and vintage fabrics are used for one-of-a-kind pieces and are sourced mainly in Paris and Berlin; they are always changing depending on what we find.
Our series of garments made from antique and found fabrics reflect the history and unique nature of the material.
The antique fabrics we use come from an era of hyper-local communities, handmade craftsmanship and an enduring personal relationship with textiles in the home. These pieces carry the same intimacy as the fabrics did in their original form. Sheets that covered a newlyweds bed, tablecloths that hosted family and friends, and curtains that hid the most private of moments from the outside world are brought together in an expression of quiet romance.
Limited Editions
Fabrics used for limited series come from small family-run mills or from deadstock supplies. We make sure that any new fabrics we source are produced organically with sustainable and ethical work practices.
Trims and Pockets
Trims and pockets come from deadstock, antiques, and ephemera sourced in Europe.
Buttons
Our buttons are made from Corozo, an all natural vegan product, by an independent and transparent manufacturer in the United Kingdom.
Thread
All pieces are sewn with high quality Gütermann recycled thread (rPet).
Your Own Materials
If you have linens, handkerchiefs, curtains or any textile that is meaningful to you and that you want to have as a wearable item talk to us! We love custom projects and are open to all ideas and directions.
Send us a message: info@studioabeles.com
Pricing
Our prices are calculated from the bottom up.
We do not wholesale. Wholesaling to bigger stores usually drives up the retail price by a markup of 2.8, which means that we would have to nearly triple the prices of our products. Without the retail markup we are able to keep our prices lower and accessible to more people while treating ourselves fairly.
Special collaborations with specific brands and stores are done in the spirit of building our community, sharing ideas, and having fun!
The materials that we use can differ in cost, quality, and availability. The prices of the finished pieces reflect that difference.
We choose to live simply. All profits from our sales are reinvested into ABELES and keep us independent and creative.
Packaging
We value our resources and our planet.
All of our packaging is recyclable. We use biodegradable and recyclable materials for all our boxes, mailers, hangtags and cards as often as possible. Our sugar-based mailers are printed with vegetable ink and are 100% compostable.