ESG Outlook is Sourcing Journal’s discussion series with industry executives to get their take on their company’s latest environmental, social and governance initiatives and their own personal efforts toward sustainability. Here, Dana Bandi of the eponymous “slow fashion” brand Dana Bandi discusses the power of restraint.
Name: Dana Bandi
Title: Founder, CEO, Designer
Company: Dana Bandi
What do you consider your company’s best ESG-related achievement over the last 5 years? Why did you take the “slow fashion” approach?
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Rooted in timeless design, our aesthetic is minimal and intentional, emphasizing quiet sophistication, subtle strength and technical construction. The company officially launched to the public in November of 2023, but work on the company started back in 2020. We have followed a slow fashion philosophy since day one. Rather than layering sustainability onto an existing model, we designed our business from the ground up with purpose and longevity at its core.
We intentionally develop small, thoughtful collections using premium fabrics. Every design is refined over months, sometimes more than a year, to ensure durability, versatility and timelessness. Our brand is not trend-driven; our pieces are made to be worn and re-worn for a lifetime. Even down to the packaging, we strive to create a luxury experience for our customers while leaving the smallest footprint possible.
We aim to offer an alternative to disposable fashion: garments that feel as intentional as the women who wear them.
What makes your brand sustainable?
We take a thoughtful approach to sustainability, focusing on quality, longevity and mindful material choices. While we primarily work with premium natural fibers, we also incorporate recycled polyester in select pieces. This allows these synthetic materials to have a second life and offers a more accessible price point without compromising on intention.
We produce in small quantities, refine each design over months and prioritize construction that’s made to last. We strive to offer consumers timeless, seasonless options. Sustainability, to us, means designing garments worth keeping, both in design and in principle.
I prioritize premium materials sourced from top Italian mills, including a custom cotton-cashmere blend developed for structure, longevity and comfort. Every fabric is chosen with purpose, and every detail is considered with both aesthetic and function in mind.
Additionally, we are repurposing our offcuts and excess fabric into limited patchwork pieces, designed to minimize waste while highlighting the beaty of intentional craftsmanship.
What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion?
One of the biggest misconceptions that I see in the industry is that sustainability starts and ends with the fabric tag. While materials play a role, I believe that true sustainability is also about how much is produced, how well it’s made and whether the design has enduring value.
I believe that restraint is a powerful tool. Producing fewer, better garments, and releasing them with intention, can have a far greater impact than chasing trend cycles under a “green” label. Longevity, not just recyclability, is at the heart of responsible fashion. We often find ourselves helping customers rethink what sustainability means holistically. It’s not always about doing more, but doing less, thoughtfully.
As consumers become more aware of worker conditions and how apparel is produced, how can the industry best spread the word on progress?
Transparency is key, not just in policy, but in storytelling. As consumers become more conscious of how their clothes are made, the industry’s responsibility is not only to improve standards, but to clearly communicate how that progress is happening.
Someday, I hope sustainability conversations won’t be confined to checklists or certifications but embedded into the everyday way that we talk about clothing. That means moving beyond surface-level claims to focus on what truly matters: quality, longevity, craftsmanship and the people who make it possible.
For us at Dana Bandi, it’s also about pacing. When collections are released slowly and intentionally, there’s more room to bring customers into the process, not just sell them the product. The more the industry treats sustainability as something to show rather than say, the more trust we build.
What do you consider to be the fashion industry’s biggest missed opportunity related to securing meaningful change?
The fashion industry’s biggest missed opportunity is underestimating the power of restraint. There’s a constant push for “newness” from more drops to more styles to more volume, when real impact could come from doing less, better.
Instead of chasing speed, the industry could focus on longevity: designing for permanence, reducing overproduction, and cultivating a lasting sense of value and attachment to what we wear. Meaningful change doesn’t have to be radical innovation. It can be quiet, consistent and deeply intentional.
What is your personal philosophy on shopping and caring for your clothes and buying fashion items?
I try to be intentional with both how I shop and how I care for my clothes. I only purchase pieces that I can see myself wearing for years, choosing items that feel timeless, versatile, and aligned with my evolving style. If something in my closet no longer serves me, I look for ways to repurpose it.
I especially enjoy reworking pieces from my dad or brother, whether they no longer wear them or the garments have been damaged. Reimagining these pieces gives them a second life and adds a creative, personal element to my wardrobe. As my style continues to shift, finding ways to adapt what already exists has become an important part of how I approach fashion.
How much do you look into a brand’s social or environmental practices before shopping?
I tend to research a brand’s core values and production philosophy before making a purchase. I gravitate toward smaller, independent brands because they’re often more intentional—less mass-produced, less trend-driven and more focused on quality over quantity. Over time, I’ve found a few “go-to” brands whose craftsmanship, fit and fabric choices I trust.
There was one brand I discovered soon after they had launched. I was drawn to their attention to detail and use of high-quality materials. But after they gained popularity, I noticed a shift. Their fabric quality had diminished, and the fit wasn’t as considered. I see this happen a lot in the industry where quality can be compromised when scale begins to outweigh intention.
Anything new you are doing to boost sustainability beyond the industry?
Outside of fashion, I try to carry the same thoughtful mindset into my personal life. The intention I bring to my wardrobe extends into how I make everyday decisions. For example, when furnishing my home, I only choose pieces I can imagine living with long term, no matter where I may live next.
I don’t think sustainability has to mean perfection, but I do believe it starts with awareness. Making small, conscious choices adds up over time. I’ve found that slowing down and being more selective, much like I am with clothing, naturally carries over into the way I live day to day.
