The “Made in USA” label seems to be a thing of the past in the fashion industry. As a result of cheap labor, lax labor laws, and decreasing transportation costs, big-name brands have looked offshore when manufacturing and printing clothes.
Despite satisfying shareholders with record profits, these companies have been the direct cause behind high unemployment in the US textile and apparel industry, and have facilitated the continued existence of poor labor laws in developing countries.
ZeroInch, with their new line of Handcrafted Custom-Printed Chic Street Wear, are on a mission to change this. Not only are they committed to sophisticated design, but also to being a part of the movement to support the US economy, local screen printers, and the environment.
Saeedeh Rad, the cofounder, of ZeroInch Apparel is using the popular crowdfunding website, Kickstarter, to rally backers around this mission and jumpstart the production of a unique clothing line that helps fashion lovers stand out in a crowd of mass-produced apparel.
I had the chance to sit down with Saeedeh to gain some insight into what drives this mission and how ZeroInch will use Kickstarter to launch the brand with the support of backers around the world.
Can you tell me a little about ZeroInch?
Since 2011, we have been working day and night to create a line of custom-printed T-shirts, Tops & Tanks that help revive the quality and craftsmanship that is slowly being lost in affordable, everyday fashion.
At ZeroInch, every hand-printed top, t-shirt and tank is a wearable work of art. Using 100% custom screen-printing and only the highest quality materials, we create gorgeous, casual chic clothing in limited quantities so you can stand out in a crowd.
Everything we design and create is guaranteed to meet your expectations. We believe strongly that every company should be as socially and environmentally responsible as possible. That is why our tops are screen printed by local artisans, made in the USA, and shipped in eco-friendly natural kraft boxes made from 100% recycled cardboard (which are 100% recyclable).
Where does your passion come from and what gives you inspiration for your designs?
Everything we do, we do with passion. From the designs to the custom-printing and artisan skill it takes to ensure every piece of ZeroInch apparel is perfectly made, we have turned our passion into a line of sophisticated casual fashion.
I am a designer and always wanted to use a medium that brings art into practical everyday life. The idea of wearable art has always been interesting to me. Many of the designs are inspired by typography and playing with letters. From the finest quality shirts, to our inspired designs – we aim to create pieces that reflect our love for design and help our clients look as great as they feel when wearing one of our shirts.
How do you think ZeroInch is different from larger clothing manufacturers?
Through our line of sophisticated casual clothing, we aim to make our consumers look and feel great while making a statement. One that adds beauty to the world, but also helps to reinvent and reinvigorate the American fashion industry.
Handcrafted and made using a painstakingly detailed screen printing process, ZeroInch T-shirts, Tops, and Tanks all have unique touches that offer fashion lovers the chance to stand out in a crowd of mass-produced clothing.
Where do you see ZeroInch in the next few years after Kickstarter?
Our goal is to have all our production done in house from pattern all the way to label. I believe we can make ZeroInch brand as a recognizable name for quality and style.
Kickstarter is fueling a new maker industrial revolution
