Milena Marchetti-Kozlov
My name is Milena Marchetti-Kozlov, Founder & Creative Director of Marchetti Sustainable. I am a sustainable fashion designer based in Guadalajara, Mexico, and originally from Northern California.
Growing up, I always had an entrepreneurial passion but I also knew I wanted to make a difference in the world. I knew I wanted to create clothing that did more than dress people. It was always about more than just clothing for me.
Empathy is nothing without action. We must refuse to buy into the hype that our needs or desires are more important than someone else's humanity or well-being. There are real, serious consequences for each and every item we purchase. Our choices matter.
Company Name: Marchetti Sustainable Fashion
Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Operating since: 2017
Company Websites: www.marchettisustainable.com & www.marchettisustainable.mx
Socials:@marchetti.sustainable (IG), @marchetti.sustainable (Facebook)
Tell us all about your company. What products do you offer?
Marchetti Sustainable is a genderless, ready-to-wear brand made exclusively from sustainable fabrics. The brand's signature textile art is done entirely in-house and by hand with low impact, water-based inks. Both the fabrics we use and the clothing we produce are made in conditions that support people and the planet. Marchetti Sustainable is proudly based and made in Guadalajara, México.
Everything we create is based on our philosophy: truly beautiful things make a difference. We are maniacally committed to using only materials that cause no harm to the planet or the people that produce it. We believe that beautiful pieces cannot sacrifice the well-being of the people who make those garments but, we are also driven to show that sustainable and ethical fashion can be bold and vibrant. Our capsule collection is a mix of classic, genderless, trans-seasonal silhouettes and unique textile art and solids.
Initially, the idea was to create a beautiful, well-made collection, focusing on hand-painted textile art. However, in my case, once I educated myself on fashion's true impact on people and the planet, everything changed.
Fashion has always been an extremely powerful force that has the ability to create and empower so many. Why should such a profitable industry be one of the most exploitative? Why shouldn't this empowerment we hear so much about include those that create our fabrics and clothing? The sustainable fashion movement is complex, but it has the potential to have a huge, tangible impact on both people and the planet from within.
What was your mission at the outset?
As a designer, I feel passionately that if new clothing is being created, it absolutely must be designed around the sustainable materials or practices available to us. In my case, it was a huge struggle to find authentically sustainable options, but I felt I had no other choice if I wanted to create this collection.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
Sustainable fashion has taught me so much about so many things - from environmental impact to checking privilege - and our entire team continues to learn every day. I'm extremely grateful to have the ability to learn this way and to have an impact on those who work with us, and the planet.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
I haven't spent a lot of time coming up with a concrete definition of success. What I can say is, I am extremely proud of the difference Marchetti Sustainable has already made and of the message we are trying to spread.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
I was raised and surrounded by strong, successful women growing up. I know this to be incredibly relevant to the woman I am today. It has helped me see the world a certain way. Having said that, I am also painfully aware that this is not the case for too many young girls. Women supporting women is something we believe in at our core.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
We are currently working on having a bigger, better impact in our collaborators' lives and creating more jobs for women who need to work from home and more flexible hours. As the company continues to grow, we will be able to have a larger impact - which is exactly what we want for Marchetti Sustainable.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Stop doubting yourself. Working hard and confidence have been a huge part of making things happen for us. Help someone every time you possibly can.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Passionate
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..."
To be brave. Sorority, empathy, action, and courage can get us extremely far.