Fashion brand ecologyst is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Victoria, British Columbia opening for the public on July 16, 2021. The integrated retail, factory and warehouse space enables the Canadian company to expand local production, provide transparency on the manufacturing process and facilitate direct connections between consumers and the talented individuals who craft their clothing.
Born in Victoria, ecologyst has achieved a reputation across North America as a pioneer of sustainable fashion by advocating for less consumption. Dedicated to protecting the planet, the ethical brand believes fewer is better and encourages consumers to spend their dollars on apparel that lasts, in turn eliminating the need to constantly replenish wardrobes. The company walks the talk with outdoor-inspired apparel crafted with 100% all-natural, biodegradable materials, such as organic cotton and merino wool – designed to stand the test of time, with a lifetime guarantee to repair or replace products as necessary. The company also supports local jobs, with clothing made onsite in Victoria and manufacturing restricted to Canada and the US.
In addition to redirecting revenues into the B.C. economy, ecologyst’s new facility offers an innovative public-facing space that engages consumers with an up-close look at how their clothing is made. The multi-use facility is housed in an 1892 heritage building, which ecologyst took over during the global pandemic. Boasting lofty ceilings and whitewashed brick, and flooded with natural light, the 4,500-square-foot space was reimagined by progressive studio Colin Harper Architect, whose industrial aesthetic vision was brought to life by local tradespeople. Upon entering, guests find themselves in an intimate foyer where ecologyst’s story is artfully displayed, much like a gallery exhibit. The foyer leads into an expansive warehouse, which houses a shoppable showroom, where visitors can meet the sewers making their future purchases and a media studio, home to ecologyst films and available for photoshoots.
“The new headquarters and production facility in Victoria marks an important milestone in ecologyst’s history, and I’m so proud of our team for getting us here,” says Rene Gauthier, Founder & CEO. “From our early days as Sitka in 2002, to our rebrand to ecologyst and the opening of our flagship store in Whistler in 2018, to launching the globally leading ZQ-certified collection in 2020, we have made historic strides in redefining the concepts of consumption and fashion. With the new facility, we can offer even more jobs to local workers while allowing consumers to forge meaningful connections with the people who make their clothing.”
