Embracing Authentic Sustainability

Summer and I (Chu) had the incredible opportunity to share our take on sustainability at the Impact and Sustainability Summit at Parsons School of Design and the Global ESG & Sustainability Leadership Summit at Columbia University. It was such a fun and educational event, I'm excited to share some highlights with you!

summer and chu attending the esg and sustainability summit at columbia university

Health & Wellbeing

My inspiration for eukari came from my own experiences working at a New York law firm, where wearing tight, uncomfortable work clothes was the norm. Over time, I learned how detrimental such attire could be—constrictive clothes reduce oxygen intake and can weaken the pelvic floor, affecting overall health (further reading about the Hourglass Syndrome). At eukari, we believe sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about our health and well-being. Therefore, we use clever designs that help you look elegant and professional while allowing you to breathe freely! We believe that if our customers can feel completely relaxed and unconstricted in their clothes, they can also experience a healthier relationship with fashion and their bodies.

chu giving speech about eukari's sustainability practices

Functionality & Design

This obsession over the functionality of fashion is what brought Summer and me together. Summer has a background in high-end bespoke suiting for men. The first time we met, she told me about the many pockets in men’s suit jackets, each designated for items like pens and wallets. For women, having pockets is often a luxury, with many being too small to fit even a credit card. When we incorporate pockets into our designs, we test them with smartphones, including the iPhone Pro Max. (Something to look forward to: our next jacket design has a designated pocket for your lipstick!)

Sustainable fashion should adapt to the dynamic nature of life. If the same piece of clothing can serve you time and time again, then that IS eco conscious. Our designs accommodate natural body changes and seamlessly transition between different social settings. This approach ensures longevity and reduces the need for constant wardrobe updates.

summer and chu standing next to a display of eukari's urbanzen collection

Equity & Identity

Equity is at the heart of our design philosophy. We blend traditional eastern design elements with modern silhouettes to create timeless, elegant pieces. As Chinese women living in the US, Summer and I understand the unique challenges Asian women face in the business world. Our clothing serves as cultural statements, empowering women to stand out and express their unique identities with pride. We believe in creating pieces that not only look good but also make you feel confident and proud of your heritage.

chu and summer discussing eukari's sustainability practices on stage at columbia university

Business & Society

Our business model emphasizes mindful production practices. We focus on pre-sales and small-batch productions to reduce overconsumption and waste. By gauging customer demand before production, we minimize excess inventory. Additionally, we incorporate deadstock materials into our designs, making each piece a limited edition. In the future, we aim to expand our commitment to sustainability beyond production by incorporating practices such as hosting fashion swaps and partnering with clothing rental services to provide more sustainable alternatives to traditional ownership.

Conclusion: A Continuous Journey

At eukari, we are committed to making functional, beautiful clothing that aligns with our values. We recognize that sustainability is a continuous journey requiring dedication, learning, and improvement. We strive to avoid greenwashing and instead focus on authentic, impactful practices that truly make a difference.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our story with you! Check out this brief interview clip from the Parsons event. For more updates on our upcoming events and latest news, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on IG!

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