In the ever-evolving world of fashion, the brand All We Remember stands out by adhering to principles that prioritize thoughtfulness, respect, inclusivity, and transparency. Co-founder Jacob Victorine emphasizes the brand’s commitment to these values, choosing to avoid the buzzword “sustainable” despite meeting many of its criteria.
As Victorine explains, “Even though we work with organic materials and natural dyes, save the scraps from our production runs, try to limit waste during cutting, and manufacture locally in the U.S. (mainly in the midwest), we still ship items. The energy in our studio doesn’t come from renewable sources. So we acknowledge there’s some form of waste. We can’t visit every single factory we work with many times a year and there are other reasons we call ourselves responsible instead of sustainable.”
All We Remember, celebrating its fourth anniversary this past year, has seen significant growth since launching its first collection in 2021. This Chicago-based brand was created by Victorine, Rob Johnson, and Noah Zagor, focusing on gender-neutral clothing that is responsibly made using natural organic fibers and botanical dyes.
The brand’s nomenclature, All We Remember, encapsulates its ethos. Victorine articulates, “We wanted to honor all of the people whose expertise and labor goes into making our clothes. Oftentimes, a clothing brand will be known or named after the designer.”
Victorine, alongside Zagor, who both teach at Columbia College Chicago, aims to spotlight the many contributors involved in the clothing-making process—from fabric weavers to dye makers to production teams. This collective approach stands in stark contrast to the traditional ways of the fashion industry, which often overlooks the labor force behind garments.
“We also are very much rooted in traditional processes, which is an act of remembering—especially because many of these practices have been upheld by more traditional or Indigenous cultures for hundreds or thousands of years,” he added, showcasing the brand’s alignment with historical craftsmanship.
All We Remember operates out of an appointment-only studio located at 2000 W. Carroll, and interested customers can shop for their garments online at allweremember.com.
With a dedication to quality, innovative design traits are noticeable throughout their collections. Features like hidden extra-large pockets and a unique “lichenized” drawstring enhance functionality and style. The concept of “simplexity,” or the simplicity that conceals deeper complexities, permeates their design philosophy.
One notable aspect of the brand’s sizing strategy is its incorporation of a non-gendered, Japanese-inspired scale ranging from sizes 0 to 5. This inclusive approach allows for versatility as Victorine notes that pieces can be shared among individuals of varying sizes, emphasizing fabric adaptability.
“People can often wear multiple sizes of our garments. I’ve seen husbands and wives sharing a jacket or a pair of pants,” shares Victorine, reflecting the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
Quality and durability remain front and center within the brand’s mission. High stitch counts and robust seams are prioritized just as much as natural fibers and botanical dyes. All We Remember extends its dedication to longevity by organizing mending workshops, indigo dying sessions, and shibori classes at various retail locations across the country, including Rising Star Laundry in San Francisco and Heavy Market in Atlanta, which also showcase the brand’s designs.
Victorine expressed excitement about upcoming workshops at School of Thought in Brooklyn and a collaborative event with Literally Outside at Field Theory in Saint Louis. “Those are really wonderful moments to connect and build community,” he remarked, underscoring their focus on fostering relationships among consumers and craftspeople.
Another significant project recently undertaken by All We Remember involved a collaboration with local artist Cody Hudson. This line features T-shirts and bandanas screenprinted with natural indigo dye from indigofera tinctoria plants, characterized by its bold and playful designs reminiscent of the designs by Marimekko.
Prices for the unique pieces start at $105 for T-shirts and $65 for bandanas, marking them as well-crafted options in the responsible fashion market.
In anticipation of further exposure, All We Remember will be presenting their latest collection at the Show and Tell trade show, occurring on August 4 and 5 at Morgan Manufacturing in the Fulton Market District. This event operates alongside the larger Chicago Collective menswear trade show at the Mart, providing valuable networking opportunities for fashion industry professionals.
Victorine articulates the brand’s design philosophy, stating, “We are interested in designing clothing that can be accessed when it’s first put on the body, but that can have meaning for someone over many, many years and wears.”
As consumers increasingly seek ethical alternatives in their purchases, All We Remember positions itself as a noteworthy choice. Through a holistic commitment to community, craftsmanship, and conscious consumption, this Chicago-based brand paves the way for a more responsible future in fashion.
image source from：chicagoreader
