Araks Yeramyan launched her eponymous-owned lingerie and swimwear collection Araks after interning at Marc Jacobs and a design stint at J. Crew. The Parsons School of Design and Central Saint Martins-educated designer is committed to growing her brand with the highest standards of sustainability using bluesign® certification criteria: safety for the consumer; manufacturing with lowest possible impact on people and the environment; and responsible use of resources.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
How does ARAKS define sustainability?
Sustainability is very important to our brand. We’ve been looking at it since the beginning so we’ve always been sustainable. We already had a line of recycled nylon suits, organic cotton underwear and pajamas, so it’s always been in the heart of how I run my company and I’m really interested in learning more.
Everything is produced locally in New York City, and we’re making sure all the organic dyes we use for lingerie follow same guidelines.
What have you gained from participating in the CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative?
I’ve learned how important the origin of the material is, and how to make it sustainable as possible. The beginning – as much as the end – is equally important, looking at all aspects of production and distribution. We now know the proper questions to ask, and an understanding of the code of conduct and the partnerships we wish to create.
What are ARAKS’s plans to revolutionize the fashion industry?
Moving forward, we’re changing all materials making them for environmentally friendly – dye to finish hang tags bags, labels moving toward more environmentally friendly materials…biodegradable materials. We’re working with a mill to develop biodegradable swimwear materials. The traditional swim materials are very toxic to the environment and take a lot to breakdown in landfills.
We’re looking for more cost-effective solutions, so it’s a gradual change. We’ve created great relationships via Lexus so I definitely want to keep in touch and continue to educate myself. After the competition, I would like to keep going. I wish there was a part two!
