WEST Perth resident Kate Bartuccio is the first fashion designer in the state to produce ethically produced denim jeans using organic cotton.
Ms Bartuccio launched her fashion business Keeper Denim in November with a mission to create sustainable fast fashion without contributing to the exploitation of garment workers.
“I was working in the corporate world and then left my job and didn’t know hat I wanted to do until I came across a documentary called the True Cost,” she said.
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READ NOW“It focuses on the fast fashion industry and the exploitation of garment workers in the developing world and also touches on the environmental costs of fast fashion – I found it shocking and I thought I wanted to do something to be a part of the solution and make a difference.”
Ms Bartuccio has designed one type of denim jean for women who fit Australian sizes 4 to 18.
Her one design and product, the El Wood high-waisted skinny-fit ankle cut jean in dark denim, would cost $190.
“The denim fabric itself is sourced from ISKO – it’s a denim fabric range made with a focus on sustainability,” she said.
“The jeans are made of organic cotton and recycled post-consumer PET bottles, and are made in Melbourne in a factory certified by Ethical Clothing Australia.”
Ms Bartuccio launched her business on Kickstarter in an effort to raise $20,000 in 30 days to fund the first round of denim jean production.
Her Kickstarter campaign ended on December 12 after Ms Bartuccio reached her funding goal of $20,800.
To pre-order the jeans go to https://bit.ly/2LS61gZ