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Stefan Brand: I’m Looking for Uncompromising Quality
As the founder of the label bearing his name, Stefan Brandt, who initially studied physics, has a very special approach to sustainability. An approach that contradicts the conventional rules of cotton production. Interview: Nicoletta Schaper. Photos: Stefan Brandt
As an entre- preneur, Stefan Brandt acts intuitively, sci- entifically, and passionately.
How can cotton be part of a sustainable fashion industry?
If it is farmed organically, cotton can absolutely be part of a sustainable industry. We use high-quality Pima cotton and are working tirelessly on a revolutionary system that drastically reduces the large-scale irrigation of cotton. The cotton is only watered for the first 45 days, until the cotton boll opens. This is done in a manner that only uses as much water as absolutely necessary, which can be largely regulated with water probes and testing of moisture levels of the soil, as well as with outdoor humidity sensors and weather apps. Once the boll has opened, watering is no longer necessary! Pima cotton also develops its own defence system that makes fertilisers and pesticides obsolete. It is a truly wonderful plant that was, by the way, first cultivated 5,000 years ago in Ecuador, not in Peru. That’s where Pima cotton still finds optimal climatic conditions to flourish today! That’s why we’re working on resettling our Pima cotton in Ecuador. For cotton to find its place in an entirely sustainable fashion industry, we need the initiative of entrepreneurs with basic values that are carved in stone and monitored consistently. The downstream supply chain requires passionate partners who have internalised the same values. Over more than two decades, we have established a vertical structure with partners who share our passion.
To what extent does your brand pursue sustainable goals in other fields?
Irrespective of compliance with established fair trade agreements, I firmly believe that events involving the employees are at the core of social sustainability. In addition, we offer daily morning gymnastics for all our staff, joint coffee breaks, and joint nutritional lunches in our company’s own restaurant. One should also not forget to ensure sufficient light at an ergo
In order to develop special jersey pieces, Stefan Brandt’s label exclusively relies on sustainable products of the highest quality.
nomically adapted workplace. The sensitisation of an attentive approach to empathy and respect for others is a very personal concern of mine! All this helps a business to fully exploit its potential. I strive to manufacture products for people who recognise true luxury in outstanding craftsmanship and who are looking for uncompromising quality – people who are interested in how these products are made and who see the workers behind the product. I have trodden paths that others considered absurd and unfeasible, but which ultimately enable the development of superlative jersey qualities. Every effort is worth it.
