STYLE
YÖLI & OTIS DESI G N AND S USTAINAB ILIT Y WIT H A B OHE M IAN S P IR IT
I
n 2013, Lena Catterik’s first daughter was born. At the time, she didn’t find a baby carrier that she liked or met her needs in terms of sustainability and design, so she decided to create her own. Without even being aware of it, it was then that a personal project that would a year later change her life and that of her family was conceived: Yoli & Otis. Founded in Byron Bay, Australia, this clothing brand for children, women and men from all over the world looking for sustainable garments has joined the list of increasingly numerous businesses that distance themselves from fast fashion by committing to conscious and respectful manufacturing. To design her garments, Catterik is inspired by the transformative landscapes that, together with her family, she enjoys on her travels around the planet. Once the sketch is captured on paper, the manufacturing process begins, always keeping the environment and people in mind: both those who participate in it and those who will ultimately purchase the garments. For this reason, the brand does not use chemicals, avoids pesticide treated and genetically modified plants and opts for herbal dyes such as turmeric, henna or aloe, among others. In fact, to learn first-hand about the traditional dyeing methods, the creative director of Yoli & Otis travelled, together with her other half, Carlo Letica, to India. There, she saw the impact that the modern dyeing method produces on the planet and workers in the textile industry. As a result of this experience, she decided that his project would commit to another way of doing, favouring sustainability and respect for the environment. Thus, the brand’s adult clothing is currently produced in Bali, respecting ethical standards. In addition, the collection for children is created in Portugal, prioritising organic cotton and local linen, and baby carriers and packaging are manufactured in India from recycled products, hence reducing the use of water and energy for processing. In 2018, the whole family moved to Mallorca, where they currently live. Inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, Catterik runs the company and creates the designs of the Yoli & Otis collections. An island of inspiration, Yoli & Otis ideas are conceived here and then travel to different parts of the globe, but always with sense and respect. www.yoliandotis.com
50
