In a world of fast fashion and hyper consumerism, navigating brand values, quality, style, and affordability can make ethical shopping feel like an impossible task. 

The good news is, people are starting to care. And with that, a new generation of entrepreneurs and shoppers is emerging where sustainability is at the forefront and the practices behind the brand really matter. 

Enter Stylrev. A capsule collection of day-to-night occasion wear, the brand was launched with social and moral values at the forefront. 

What exactly does that mean? I’ve been chatting with Ama, personal acquaintance and Founder / Creative Director of Stylrev, to better understand the values behind her clothing brand and her personal vision to bring transparency to the fashion industry. Here’s a look behind the scenes at what Stylrev is really about. 

Q: What inspired you to launch your own clothing brand, and why the focus on sustainability?

A: “My entire life inspired me to start my own brand. I’ve been in the fashion industry my entire adult life.

From working in retail, managing store fronts to styling, buying, you name it I feel like I’ve done it. Stylrev has always been an idea in my mind, it’s taken on many forms and has evolved with me. During the pandemic, like many , for the first time in years I had some time for myself, in that time I decided to pull the trigger and launch Stylrev.

Sustainability part came with time and knowledge. As I started to learn about the business of fashion from marketing to the ins and outs of the various supply chains, I saw first hand the impact of the fashion industry on the environment and the people that work in the industry.

It was important to me to build a conscious brand, I wanted quality over quantity, I wanted the products that I made to be purposeful and not just to make something for the sake of making something.

Stylrev sources almost 100% natural materials

Q: Using natural materials seems like a big focus for your brand, Stylrev.

A: Yeah, It comes back to the quality, some of my most prized pieces are styles that I bought many years ago. I have things in my closet from a decade ago, the fibers are still intact, the dyes are still vibrant and it is because the various designers used natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen, etc. I want to make products that last and feel timeless.” Ama, Founder and Creative Director of Stylrev

Q: Where do you source your materials?

A: “It honestly depends, the first products I released l sourced all my material from various parts of Africa. The latest products were sourced from India and Dubai.”

Q: Is the entire Stylrev line made with natural materials?

A: “Yes, with one tiny exception, the use of elastane in the denim pieces. That’s just due to the lack of natural stretch substitutes.”

Stylrev commits to working with only small independent boutique seamstresses, supporting local business owners and a transparent supply chain

Q: The site mentions manufacturing best practices, where is your clothing made and what can you tell us about the manufacturing process?

A: “Made in the US and Dubai, I work solely with small, independent, boutique seamstresses, ensuring transparency in the supply chain.”

Q: How does Stylrev stay plugged in and support other local communities and businesses?

A: “It’s really important that we support small businesses where we operate, especially in the manufacturing world, we only work with local artisans, and try to support their business instead of outsourcing to a factory in China. We pay extra to work with locals and as the brand grows we hope to do more.”

Q: You’ve curated a capsule collection with some really fashionable pieces. Who does the design and what inspires that process?

A: “I am the designer and creative director of the brand. I get inspired by everything and anything, mostly I’m inspired by classic, simple, clean and effortless designs and I think is reflected in the styles.”

Q: Now that you’ve launched your own brand, what are your future goals and vision for Stylrev?

A: “The future is unwritten and that is exciting, I would love for Stylrev to be a lifestyle brand. I can see the brand evolving to men clothing,children clothing, bridal and even interiors.”

Be on the lookout for new strong and effortless silhouettes to come

Q: Any new products or projects we should be on the look for?

A: “The next drop is pending. Look out for strong and effortless silhouettes, more color and vibrant prints. We’re small so we innately don’t feel the need to release a collection or a drop every season, we’re very minimalistic in that way.”

The need for more sustainable brands with affordable value

Supporting ethical fashion and local businesses may be difficult, or sometimes impossible. You can’t always find quality, style and value from known ethical brands and businesses, and information about manufacturing practices is often more than convoluted. 

There are some sustainable shopping brands out there, but ultimately I’d love to see more affordable, high value options in the ethical clothing industry that cover basic essentials to occasion wear with more transparent practices. Unfortunately, I’d still consider this market a big challenge in today’s society. 

But thanks to brands like Stylrev and people like Ama and others who are pushing for progression, there’s starting to be more options available. 

What you can expect to find in Stylrev’s current collection of day-to-night occasion wear, and how to support Ama’s efforts

Stylrev currently offers four day-to-night occasion wear dresses in the $200-300 price range. It’s an investment but one that supports better practices in an industry where it’s desperately needed. You can browse the Stylrev collection online or shoot her a message of support on social. 

As always, thanks for taking the time to read, and I hope you are inspired to remember local businesses and communities with your support when you can! 

In accordance with the FTC regulations for Influencers, this post features gifted items from Stylrev. All thoughts, comments and musings are made of my own opinion and honest, personal experience with the products reviewed or mentioned. I hope you’ve found this post informational and inspiring!