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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 13:40:41 GMT -6
Hey guys. With the blessing of the winterland, I wanted to make this introduction to the community and explain why and how we are different. I was originally referred here by a member of reddit when I asked about what was going on with lawless. Read about them, and gained some great insight, but I want to hear more about what I can do. Short sum up of D'Lord Denim; American made, certified organic fabrics, social enterprise with zero tolerance for gross environmental practices and human rights violations in our supply chain. At the point of each sale, we plant a few trees in our customers name as well as donate money to some great charities such as Pure Earth and Charity: water. Our focus is in providing you the best fits, styles, and fabrics we can find that uphold our high standards of sustainability. As a semi-denim head, I understand the love and appreciation for a variety of unique fabrics, from selvedge to non-selvedge raw denim. Beyond just my focus of the quality of our product, I am big believer of customer service that goes above and beyond the average company. I want to hear how we can get better, what you do and dont like, and what you want to see more of. My purpose is to build a community of people who care about looking good, but also doing good. While there is a lot of information scattered all over the web about what big apparel brands are doing to the people in this world, and the environment all around us, I want to be a source of positive influence. From creating products that you want to buy in a way that is sustainable, to helping influence change in the world, specifically here in america and countries being directly affected by the fashion industry. We are currently planning on being produced in New York, with the possibility of a second location in LA. My main goal is to grow and create more manufacturing jobs here in america all while eliciting positive change in the apparel world, but I can't do that without a great community of people. With that, I want you guys to know that I'll be launching on kickstarter soon. I know, I know. Kickstarter is a taboo around here. I promise you I will do everything in my power to restore faith in what kickstarter is supposed to be doing. I want to be completely transparent, I want you guys to fall in love with this brand. I want you guys to help me grow. So with that, I want to answer any and all questions you have. If I dont have an answer, I'll find one, and if I can't find one, I'll figure out a way to get the necessary information. Dont hold back, Im nervous because I understand the history you guys have with some kickstarter brands, but I want you to know I care. I've been where you've been, and I want to offer something different. Hopefully I've said enough, or was clear enough, and we can open this up to an awesome conversation. Also, I want to offer you guys the chance to get in on some great deals. BY registering for my newsletter, which I promise not to use to spam you guys, you get free 2-day shipping when we ship our products. You also have the chance to earn $45 off our retail price as well as a free pair of denim.
UPDATE: WE ARE NOW LIVE ON KICKSTARTER
www.dlorddenim.com/KICKSTARTERThanks guys. |
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Post by quick on Sept 17, 2015 13:48:23 GMT -6
Do you have pictures of your product?
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Post by DigDug on Sept 17, 2015 14:37:49 GMT -6
Welcome dlorddenim Many of us got started with Raw Denim on KS and many of us have gotten taken. It's my observation that those that are still working today are because they went at it Slow. Those that failed did so because they wanted to go Big/Fast in what they were offering And simply couldn't maintain supply (Very Bad Management at best). So my advice is not to promise the world in an effort to win over the crowd/community. Offer up what you can deliver. The Crowd will always want more, different, better. There is a price for that. You have some big and thoughtful Goals. Engage the community, get our thoughts, But remember who's the boss and who's accountable. All that being said In the end what's important is Design, quality, price (and saving the world  What will you be offering? |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 14:53:41 GMT -6
Do you have pictures of your product? Quick, Yes I do. I'll be slowly releasing the images, but for now you can get a good idea with the image on my prelaunch site, prelaunch.dlorddenim.com . Let me know what you think. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 14:57:51 GMT -6
Welcome dlorddenim Many of us got started with Raw Denim on KS and many of us have gotten taken. It's my observation that those that are still working today are because they went at it Slow. Those that failed did so because they wanted to go Big/Fast in what they were offering And simply couldn't maintain supply (Very Bad Management at best). So my advice is not to promise the world in an effort to win over the crowd/community. Offer up what you can deliver. The Crowd will always want more, different, better. There is a price for that. You have some big and thoughtful Goals. Engage the community, get our thoughts, But remember who's the boss and who's accountable. All that being said In the end what's important is Design, quality, price (and saving the world What will you be offering? I've noticed quality control is the key word. I wont be offering the world through kickstarter. It'll be two "fits" and one fabric, potentially a second depending on how we do. With that, I will also input a ceiling as to how many orders I'll take through kickstarter. I started to do the math and have a very good understanding of what I can offer and at what rate I can offer it. However, I don't want people to feel discouraged. Being apart of the early launch will afford you many benefits long term, so there is a positive to ordering with initial batch. I agree with you, if I can't offer a good design, great quality, at a good price, none of what im trying to do matters. For now, I think my first batch will be either from a pakistani raw denim factory, or an italian one. Either way, Lighter weight fabrics at around 11-12oz. They'll come at two fit styles, a straight cut and a slimmer-fit. Once we get closer to launch, or at launch, ill post ALL the measurements for the denim. |
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Post by Old26 on Sept 17, 2015 15:18:46 GMT -6
Do you have pictures of your product? Quick, Yes I do. I'll be slowly releasing the images, but for now you can get a good idea with the image on my prelaunch site, prelaunch.dlorddenim.com . Let me know what you think. Welcome! Signed up. Look forward to what you have to offer. Good luck. |
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Post by gaseousclay on Sept 17, 2015 15:28:24 GMT -6
For now, I think my first batch will be either from a pakistani raw denim factory, or an italian one. Either way, Lighter weight fabrics at around 11-12oz. They'll come at two fit styles, a straight cut and a slimmer-fit. Once we get closer to launch, or at launch, ill post ALL the measurements for the denim. i'm confused. you said you want to, " grow and create more manufacturing jobs here in america," yet you're talking about sourcing your denim from Pakistan or Italy, two countries which to my understanding don't exactly have fair labor practices. Maybe i'm wrong but wouldn't it make more sense to just use White Oak Cone Mills denim since it's US made and what most denim companies use? |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 15:33:07 GMT -6
Quick, Yes I do. I'll be slowly releasing the images, but for now you can get a good idea with the image on my prelaunch site, prelaunch.dlorddenim.com . Let me know what you think. Welcome! Signed up. Look forward to what you have to offer. Good luck. Thanks for signing up, I appreciate it. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 15:38:07 GMT -6
For now, I think my first batch will be either from a pakistani raw denim factory, or an italian one. Either way, Lighter weight fabrics at around 11-12oz. They'll come at two fit styles, a straight cut and a slimmer-fit. Once we get closer to launch, or at launch, ill post ALL the measurements for the denim. i'm confused. you said you want to, " grow and create more manufacturing jobs here in america," yet you're talking about sourcing your denim from Pakistan or Italy, two countries which to my understanding don't exactly have fair labor practices. Maybe i'm wrong but wouldn't it make more sense to just use White Oak Cone Mills denim since it's US made and what most denim companies use? Great question. So here's where I am at. All my denim is organic certified, cone doesn't do that. Maybe one day I can come with an order large enough to entice them. My factory in pakistan is one of the few that I've come across so far that have passed my standards, as well as, being certified organic by GOT's, and also their new manufacturing plant has been certified by the US green building councils LEED program. Italy is in negotiations right now, I just came across their factory and am digging deeper into who they are and what they are about. As for the "create more manufacturing jobs" part, my long term goal is to try to influence policy in order to make it attainable for brands to actually manufacture here. For now, Our factory that makes the actual jeans is in america as are a few other of my trim partners. And another reason why I didnt use cone besides the organic issue? being a denim head, I love variety and uniqueness. These fabrics that im sourcing are just that and more. In the future I hope to create unique fabrics that come from all over the world, in a way thats what makes america so unique, our cultural diversity. |
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Post by davelewis on Sept 17, 2015 15:52:01 GMT -6
I've signed up, and welcome to the forum. Do you expect to eventually expand into making shirts, and other products in the future?
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Post by Old26 on Sept 17, 2015 15:57:29 GMT -6
And please tell me that you'll be making sizes that fit bigger guys? Not necessarily "bowling balls" but big guys?
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Post by DigDug on Sept 17, 2015 16:15:00 GMT -6
I'm not that informed about Organic Cotton. What's some of the benefits, draw backs?
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Post by davelewis on Sept 17, 2015 16:19:53 GMT -6
And please tell me that you'll be making sizes that fit bigger guys? Not necessarily "bowling balls" but big guys? Now that is a novel concept! |
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Post by gaseousclay on Sept 17, 2015 16:21:40 GMT -6
I'm not that informed about Organic Cotton. What's some of the benefits, draw backs? 'Organic' means no pesticides were used on the crop, thus making it more environmentally friendly and sustainable |
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Post by DigDug on Sept 17, 2015 16:34:03 GMT -6
dlorddenim why go so Light? We're coming into Fall/Winter. Most guys like the heavy stuff. I understand why you may not want to tackle the 16oz+. But 11-12 I find to light and doesn't hold its shape well. Unless it's some sort Herringbone or other weave that will make it unique.
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Post by Winterland on Sept 17, 2015 16:36:24 GMT -6
All that being said In the end what's important is Design, quality, price (and saving the world What will you be offering? I agree with the above. I am all for giving some of the profits to charity, organic, saving the world etc but.. With the state of the economy and seeing many new startups fail I just want a good product, made in the USA, if possible if not, no sweat shops but it seems like it would be hard to monitor in some countries. It is rare I buy organic produce etc as it is just too expensive. I can just wash the heck out of regular vegetables and try to get locally grown for a good price. If you can make it work I'm all for it though. Good luck. Now where are those product pictures?  |
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Post by quick on Sept 17, 2015 16:54:45 GMT -6
Hey d'Lord, webroot suspects a malicious attack from the verification email link.
is this normal? lol.
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 17:00:38 GMT -6
I've signed up, and welcome to the forum. Do you expect to eventually expand into making shirts, and other products in the future? Dave, Thanks for signing up, dont forget to confirm the email. I do indeed plan to expand. I want to first master making denim before I jump into other pursuits but there is a lot of different items I want to offer. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 17:01:19 GMT -6
And please tell me that you'll be making sizes that fit bigger guys? Not necessarily "bowling balls" but big guys? Of course. I want to get everyone involved. Even though the majority of people fall somewhere between 28-38. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 17:05:15 GMT -6
I'm not that informed about Organic Cotton. What's some of the benefits, draw backs? Lets start with con's. Price. Simply put, its more expensive. Requires more labor, even though we are getting better at the manufacturing process, it's still a ways off from being as cheap as regular cotton. Pro's. No pesticides or herbicides used. Detoxifies the land Organic fertilizers and manures Crop rotation no GMO's Soil has more water retention Improves the habitat for small animals and insects Safe for human use In short, its a superior way to grow cotton. If you haven't, I suggest watching True Cost documentary. Very insightful. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 17:12:54 GMT -6
dlorddenim why go so Light? We're coming into Fall/Winter. Most guys like the heavy stuff. I understand why you may not want to tackle the 16oz+. But 11-12 I find to light and doesn't hold its shape well. Unless it's some sort Herringbone or other weave that will make it unique. One second, I actually need to double check I think I have two variants of one fabric with the second one being closer to 14oz, but beyond that in all Honesty, I have yet to find anyone else making 13-14+oz organic denim. With that, I do want to have a heavier weight available and I understand that the fall winter is coming, why is why Im working on a hemp blend fabric that is better at retaining heat for winter months but isn't as heavy as 16oz. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 17:15:34 GMT -6
All that being said In the end what's important is Design, quality, price (and saving the world What will you be offering? I agree with the above. I am all for giving some of the profits to charity, organic, saving the world etc but.. With the state of the economy and seeing many new startups fail I just want a good product, made in the USA, if possible if not, no sweat shops but it seems like it would be hard to monitor in some countries. It is rare I buy organic produce etc as it is just too expensive. I can just wash the heck out of regular vegetables and try to get locally grown for a good price. If you can make it work I'm all for it though. Good luck. Now where are those product pictures? Of course, design is important as is price, im aware that I need to find my sweetspot. I recommend you watch the documentary true cost. It'll open your eyes as to why this matters so much, but at the same time, I totally get why its easy to ignore these issues. Buying regular vegetables and wash them is a great way to make sure the surface level pesticides are gone, but its impossible to remove a lot of the chemicals that are soaked up by these fruits and vegetables. Without being a debbie downer, there was a great infographic showing a family's toxic blood levels drop dramatically after a month of switching to organic foods. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I Want to really create something great here and its a huge help when I can get a community behind me. As for the photos. Soon I promise. |
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 17:16:23 GMT -6
Hey d'Lord, webroot suspects a malicious attack from the verification email link. is this normal? lol. Odd, shouldn't be an issue. Ive been having some strange issues with some adblock programs and alike giving me false positives on malware and such. |
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Post by brentkuz on Sept 17, 2015 19:27:15 GMT -6
Organic is also a term where country to country doesn't exactly have the same meaning as of now.
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Post by dlorddenim on Sept 17, 2015 21:14:14 GMT -6
Organic is also a term where country to country doesn't exactly have the same meaning as of now. Thats why we use a universal certification called GOTs. Oddly enough, a lot of the worlds organic cotton comes from texas. |
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