Meghan Navoy is a graduate from the
Fashion Institute of Technology, and is very passionate about bringing the lack
of environmental sustainability in fashion to light. After studying textile
development, Meghan dove into the world of fashion and found inspiration in an
unlikely form - used sweaters. This inspiration lead to her brand A Wool Story that prides
itself on being environmentally friendly and having complete transparency. We
were lucky enough to have a conversation with her about the process
of creating A Wool Story, and why it’s so important to her.
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| Image from A Wool Story |
DGG: Tell us about yourself, Meghan.
Meghan Navoy: I recently moved to Detroit from Brooklyn, NY where I lived for the last
five years. In New York, I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
majoring in Textile Development. At FIT, I started a rooftop natural dye garden
with two friends in order to bring attention to the issue of sustainability in
the fashion industry. I spent the last year and a half working in children's
wear doing textile development for denim and active wear. In July, I made the
leap to quit my day job and start A Wool Story full time.
DGG: Tell us about A Wool Story.
MN: A Wool Story is a unisex,
sustainable knitwear label that uses only recycled natural fibers. The yarn
used is reclaimed from sweaters and re-knit into hats, mittens, and scarves.
Environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and transparency are
essential to A Wool Story. Sustainability is considered in every aspect from
the raw materials to the organic cotton sew in labels, the hand stamped
recycled kraft paper hang tags, and the recycled paper mailing envelopes. The
fashion industry is notorious for horrible violations of human rights and
environmental pollution, and my goal with A Wool Story is to be an ethical and
sustainable alternative.
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| Image from A Wool Story |
DGG: You were living in Brooklyn,
but moved to Detroit. What brought you to Michigan?
MN: I am originally from Illinois
and both of my parents are from Michigan. Much of my family still lives in
Dearborn Heights and Grand Rapids, so it's nice to be close to them. I have
been following the story of Detroit's changing atmosphere from New York and my
boyfriend and I were really intrigued by the idea of being a part of the city's
renewal. New York is becoming a place that is less and less attainable for
artists, but Detroit is the perfect place to be able to have the space and
resources to create.
DGG: Why is
it important for you to use recycled wool, rather than using new wool?
MN: I use reclaimed sweaters because
zero waste is an important design aspect to A Wool Story. By not consuming any
new materials, I am able to create knitwear that is using what we already have.
Wool is such an amazing fiber that not only provides warmth and is flame retardant,
but it also lasts a long time. Synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, are petroleum
based that are not as durable as wool and their production is bad for the
environment. When a customer purchases an item from A Wool Story, they know
exactly where it came from, how it was made, and that it will last a long time.
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| Image from A Wool Story |
DGG: From where do you get the
sweaters to unravel and use?
MN: I typically buy sweaters from
thrift stores, but friends and family also donate unwanted wool sweaters to me
as well.
DGG: Where do you sell your products?
AWS: I sell my products on my website
at awoolstory.com and intend to wholesale locally in the future.
DGG: What's the best advice you have
received since starting your company?
MN: The best advice I have received
is to just start. It's so tempting to try to get everything perfect and planned
out and spend a lot of time researching (all good things to do), but the best
way to learn is by doing.
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| Image from A Wool Story |
DGG: What's are your three most
favorite things about Detroit since you have moved here?
MN:
1. The Dequindre Cut - I am a
bicyclist. I love riding down the river front and then down the Dequindre Cut.
It is so beautiful and such a peaceful space.
2. Sister Pie - so delicious! I was
riding around the city and admiring the West Village neighborhood when I
stumbled upon Sister Pie. I had a chocolate coconut pie that was amazing. I
can't wait to go back and try another kind of pie.
3. Lost and Found Vintage -
technically in Royal Oak. I have been exploring local shops in Detroit and the
surrounding area and am so glad I found Lost and Found. It's heaven!! It's
beautifully curated with lots of amazing vintage finds.
DGG: If you could dress any celebrity
in your products, who would it be and why?
MN: I would love it if Tavi Gevinson
wore A Wool Story! She is really stylish and never cease’s to impress with her
range of talents and accomplishments!! She's an amazing actor and writer with
great taste.
DGG: Describe your style.
MN: I like to wear mostly vintage,
for the sustainability aspect and because you can find so many interesting
unique pieces. My style could be described as minimalist; I am inspired by
Scandinavian and Japanese design.
DGG: How do you take your coffee?
MN: Black, with freshly ground beans
in my French press.
DGG: Pendleton or London Fog?
MN: Definitely Pendleton.
DGG: A wool hat or wool scarf?
MN: Preferably both - but if I had to pick it would be a
hat!
