3: The "S" Word: Sustainability

Stylist Rachael Wang leads by example, discussing the life experiences that inspire her to increase the representation of diversity in fashion, plus the rationale behind her decision to be vegan and how that impacts her wardrobe. Music by EJ Cali and DJ Synchro produced at Building Beats.

Cynthia Power, who leads the Renew program at Eileen Fisher, takes us on a tour of The Tiny Factory, a space where discarded, used Eileen Fisher clothing is given a second life. As a clothing company, Eileen Fisher is setting the standard for what circularity can look like in the apparel industry, turning used clothes into new clothes, into new fabrics, and into decorative housewares. We also get a tutorial about the possibilities, and limits, of recycling fabric. Music by EJ Cali and DJ Synchro, produced at Building Beats.

In this final chapter of our story about the New York City menswear brand Noah, co-founder Estelle Bailey-Babenzien describes her interior design influences and the key elements of customer service. Store manager Jason Boehm talks about the process of building genuine relationships with customers. Co-founder Brendon Babenzien promotes the value of maintaining a connection to youth culture. And employee Vrn Powell describes her experience partnering with Noah on a capsule collection for her band, Super Natural Psycho, and playing an in-store concert to celebrate the launch of their album.

Relentless continues its exploration of ethical fashion through a behind-the-scenes look at the New York City menswear brand Noah. Founder Brendon Babenzien debates whether the clothes at Noah are expensive and explains the considerations and decisions that inform the brand’s prices. This episode also delves into Noah’s ongoing campaign to educate customers about pressing social issues, environmental issues, and the power of individual shopping choices to influence companies. Featuring Brendon Babenzien, Estelle Bailey-Babenzien,  Corey Rubin, and Beau Wollens. Music from Building Beats.

Relentless is on vacation this week. Here's a preview of what's coming in our next episode!

Sustainability is a trendy label but not really an apt one for the fashion industry. At the menswear brand Noah, the team is concerned less with labels and more with how to reduce the carbon footprint of its work. Team members describe the process of switching to paper mailers for online orders and the response from customers, as well as the ongoing pursuit of a way to completely eliminate plastic bags from the company’s entire supply chain. Featuring Brendon Babenzien, Corey Rubin, Beau Wollens, Jasmine Young. Music from Building Beats.

Quality is a key factor in distinguishing between clothing options. But what does it mean for something to be made well and made to last?  In this episode, members of Noah's design and operations teams discuss the role of mills and high-quality fabrics to make great clothes. Plus the costs associated with prioritizing quality and labor. And founder Brendon Babenzien recounts the key cultural influences that led to the creation of Noah. Featuring Brendon Babenzien, Vrn Powell, Corey Rubin, Beau Wollens, Jasmine Young, plus fans of the brand. Music from Building Beats. Recorded by Dan Navetta at Bryght Young Things.

The New York City menswear brand Noah is committed to making cool, high-quality clothes that will last. But the company’s mission is about more than clothes; it’s also a platform to promote the primacy of human rights, the imperative to protect the natural world, and how to rethink what we buy and why. Featuring Noah co-founders Brendon Babenzien and Estelle Bailey-Babenzien. Music from Building Beats.

For its second season, Relentless takes an inside look at the earnest but often quixotic pursuit of sustainability in fashion. Featuring designers Brendon Babenzien and Estelle Bailey-Babenzien from Noah, stylist Rachael Wang, and designer Mara Hoffman. Music from Building Beats. Full episodes starting in September 2019.

The first season of Relentless and the fall 2017 season of Supreme both draw to a close. In this episode, reflections about Supreme fandom and more stories from the line, including Maddy’s unexpected discovery of another fashion subculture, and Barbara Kruger sets up her own skate shop in SoHo. Music by BSNYEA, Stripe By Tommy, Taj Mahal, Khalil Almighty, and Angel from Building Beats.