Anyone who’s ever bought a garment bag knows they’re a necessity to have to protect your fine clothing when traveling or seasonally pack clothes away. If you’re a clothing sales rep, they’re your life.
But have you ever considered the fact that they may actually be harming your clothes? Just think, they’re trapped inside non-breathable plastic.
I recently had a conversation with Jennifer Bennett, designer and founder of Jendarling bags about her garment bags and and how she ranks them in terms of fashion necessity.
Here’s what she had to say.
Where do you get your materials?
Mainly local suppliers in San Francisco and Napa. Our organic fabrics come from a supplier in San Francisco, our leather comes from Napa and Marin (always an excuse to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge). When we use silk, we work with an American company in North Carolina. Our fabrics are all purchased locally here in the U.S. We’re proud of that. Our buttons come from Germany – only because we like the style and quality, Dill Buttons, a great company to work with.
What’s the problem with using traditional plastic garment bags? Do you think they leave a strange smell?
Exactly – but also, over long term use plastic suffocates the fibers. Delicate fibers like silk, bamboo and cashmere should not be stored in plastic. Same with leather. Not to mention, plastic is harmful to our environment. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), often called vinyl, is the second most commonly used plastic in the world. It is also the most harmful to the environment. The more knowledge people have, the better off their favorite clothes and the environment will be. Using a durable cotton bag will help your favorite clothes breathe in storage and travel well. Cotton garment bags are for those consumers who purchase quality over quantity. Not for the “fast fashion” set.
Your design aesthetic comes from where?
Travel, the outdoors, the farmer’s market, also – the past. I’m inspired by vintage fashion and home decor of the 50s – 80s. You’d be amazed what a piece of stationery can inspire one to do. Each season I like to pick a theme that’s a blend of my travel experience and surroundings. Last September I was in Malta – the current Vagabond Collection is a reflection of my experience paired in a 7os manner. Next season, look for something Bondi or Sydney inspired.
Rumor has it you’re in grad school. Why start this line to add to your load?
Oh yes, sometimes I try to forget about that. It’s very challenging not to get distracted. Luckily, I’m graduating in December – with a Master’s in nonprofit administration. My program actually inspired me to start Jendarling and incorporate the blend of fashion and sustainable business practices, so at times, the two go hand in hand. I’m always working with various NGOs on a number of issues. It’s nice to be engaged with social and environmental issues and have a better understanding of what’s going on in the world and how we can create change. Fashion, luckily, can be one of those ways.
I noticed that you not only create garment bags but have travel bags and clutches. Are you finding that your line is evolving?
Yes, the line is evolving as customers continue to come back and want more of the same pattern in different styles. I’m using this time to listen to our customers and create products they want and can use, while still feeling like it’s “one of a kind” paired with eco-friendly principles.
How do you see your line progressing and what do you have hopes it will become?
I’d like to continue to expand the line, while staying passionate about the manufacturing process, and our sustainable business practices. We look forward to utilizing innovative organic fibers in the future and hope to stay ahead of the curve. Becoming a global brand would be nice, hmm, that means we have an excuse to travel more.