STYLE: SHOPPING
MEET THE MAKER: GINA STOVALL Two Days Off Founder Gina Stovall wages a war on fast fashion with her made-to-order and small batch line of timeless garments.
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by SARA SMOLA
s a former climate scientist, what inspired you to branch into fashion and start Two Days Off? For the past decade my career has focused on modeling and finding solutions to climate change, but I always had the entrepreneurial itch. I knew at some point I would want to start a business that worked to address the climate crisis, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the thought of a clothing line came to mind. I learned to sew when I was young, and loved designing and making my own clothing, but before then had never thought about making them for other people. But as I started to learn about sustainable and slow fashion, I became intrigued by the idea of a creative business that deemphasized consumption and instead was value-driven. The brand’s core values include being environmentally and socially responsible. How does Two Days Off implement these values in its production? Two Days Off [utilizes] made-to-order and small batch production. I never want to overproduce and get into a cycle of sales to keep inventory moving out the door. I also focus on the details of the design to ensure we are making clothes that will last and be adaptable to many aspects of a person’s life. That means using quality fabrics that wash and wear well, using excellent construction techniques, and designing for versatility. Finally, I think deeply about the materials we consume and how we handle any waste. I stick to natural fibers like linen and cotton because they will biodegrade or can be recycled, and source deadstock and vintage fabrics that already exist as opposed to making new ones whenever I can. And I focus on sourcing from small, local businesses that have similar values to my own.
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How would you describe your design ethos? Everything I design is oriented around ease for the wearer and durability. Another reason I love natural [fabrics] is because they are breathable, comfortable, and wear in beautifully. I love an intentionally thoughtout silhouette that is simple and timeless. And I love to create joy in the details of the garment construction. That extra thoughtfulness is what makes a piece feel well made and makes me fall in love with certain garments, and thus love them for many years. Why do you recommend consumers shop sustainable options instead of fast fashion? Fast fashion is inherently linked to the inhumane treatment of garment workers, most of whom are women. Buying fast fashion is a quick endorphin fix, but it has larger implications such as sending a signal to corporations that their exploitation of people and the environment is okay. Sustainable fashion is a bigger financial investment and requires more research, but it is a vote with your dollar for values society believes in. It is an investment in the environment and often small businesses. What’s next for Two Days Off? I have so many ideas and projects in store! I want to continue growing the brand and expand beyond clothes to offer more that supports an individual’s sustainable lifestyle. I am excited to expand our sizing even further in the near future, as well as add more gender-neutral styles to the core collection. And finally, I am eager to explore the nexus of climate change, capitalism, and the fashion industry to support a just economic transition to a climate-resilient society. For more information on Gina and Two Days Off, visit twodaysoff.com.
