Since it was founded in 1976, natural fibers clothing and home textiles brand Garnet Hill “has been driven by the belief that goodness lives in every fiber of who we are. Every decision we make, every product we create, and every relationship we foster is made with this principle in mind.” This mission statement on its website underscores its commitment to sustainable cashmere, linen, organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell, wool and more, all which are explained in detail on the website for full transparency. From photo-heavy “Behind the Designs” articles featuring everything from the goats behind the cashmere to women weaving the rugs, Garnet Hill goes to extra lengths on storytelling. Here, Connie Hallquist, president, talks about the company’s longstanding commitment to people and planet.
Related Stories
Name: Connie Hallquist
Title: President
Company: Garnet Hill
What do you consider your company’s best ESG-related achievement over the last 5 years?
We have been clearly articulating our brand identity including our purpose, vision and mission based on quantitative and qualitative feedback from customers, prospects and our team members. Our purpose or north star is to cultivate the goodness that’s in our nature. Our vision is a world where everyone is inspired and empowered to bring out the best found in nature and each other. And our mission—what we do every day—is to shape beautiful and enduring products for you and your home from nature’s finest fibers with quality in every stitch.
What is your company’s latest ESG-related initiative?
As a brand, our No. 1 focus is on making the highest quality products that last a long time so that they stay in use and out of landfills. And while we have always focused on using renewable natural fibers that are responsibly sourced from only the best partners and places around the world, we have taken big steps with ensuring those fibers are certified and origins are transparent. We started this initiative with a focus around some of our bigger programs. Key examples include our Cashmere SFA certification, Linen European Flax certification and Responsible Down Standard, to name a few. We are also members of the Textile Exchange organization, which helps us to collaborate and stay informed on all the latest advancements in tracking and innovation within textiles.
What is the biggest misconception consumers have about sustainability in fashion/accessories?
One of the biggest consumer misconceptions is that one person can’t make a difference. However, if everyone committed to at least one thing, then the collective could make a huge difference. For example, commit to buying recycled swimwear or shop second-hand stores or swear off polyester or switch to organic cotton, just to name a few.
As consumers become more aware of worker conditions and how clothing is produced, how can the industry best spread the word on progress?
I think it’s important for the industry to improve transparency on where clothing is being produced and to have 3rd-party certification on the conditions in those factories. All of our partners must pass our Sourcing Social Responsibility program to do business with us. Our supplier code of conduct requires that our products be produced in conditions that support human rights, fair labor practices, employee health and safety, environmental stewardship and other ethical business practices.
What do you consider to be the apparel industry’s biggest missed opportunity related to securing meaningful change?
Achieving meaningful change will be difficult as long as some consumers crave fast fashion. Apparel has become so cheap from some fast fashion companies that it is now disposable. We can do so much more to explain the benefits of slow fashion. On an annual basis, we conduct workplace condition audits at our suppliers’ factories, to validate that best practices are adhered to. Human rights, child labor, and forced labor are among the key elements of our Qurate audit protocol.
What is your personal philosophy on shopping and caring for your clothes? How do you try to minimize the environmental impact of the clothes you buy? Either on the purchasing side and/or end-of-use angle?
I have become much more in tune with the longevity of the items that I buy. Is the style worthy of multiple seasons? How do I care for my sweaters for example, so they last a long time? Let’s just say the dry cleaner has lost a lot of business from me. If I do get rid of items in my closet, I always donate them, so they find a new home.
How much do you look into a brand’s social or environmental practices before shopping?
Typically, if I see something I like in my Instagram feed, I will click on the item to learn more about it. I always want to know the country of origin, the materials and the care instructions. I am also a big reader of customer reviews, and go to the 1-star reviews first. If the item successfully clears the customer reviews, I will then take the time to read about brand to see if they are worthy of what’s in my wallet.
Anything new you are doing to boost sustainability beyond the fashion industry?
At Garnet Hill, we offer our employees real Christmas trees or holiday wreaths every year, which are generally more environmentally friendly than artificial versions.
