Beyond Labels:

Redress The Balance and Gildelab's
Journey to Gender-Neutral and Sustainable Clothing






At Stichting GildeLab, we're excited to spotlight our ongoing collaborations with brands that exemplify consciousness, sustainability, and ethics. Since 2021, we've proudly partnered with ‘Redress The Balance’, marking our youngest client to date! Founders Lotte and Tess bring a refreshing perspective to fashion, infusing each creation with a commitment to gender neutrality and environmental stewardship. Through their brand, "Redress The Balance," they've ignited dialogue and paved the way for a more inclusive future.


‘Redress The Balance' brings order to the chaotic fashion world with gender-neutral and sustainable clothing.

The fashion world is always evolving. Clothing is produced abundantly and rapidly. Consequently, much of the clothing we purchase is not made sustainably. Sisters Lotte and Tess are trying to change that. They founded the gender-neutral and sustainable clothing brand 'Redress The Balance' in 2021. We spoke with them about this brand and their collaboration with Gildelab.

Lotte and Tess are still young, but they have a serious perspective on fashion. The idea for Redress The Balance arose during a school project on sustainable clothing. The assignment got the girls thinking, and they decided to further develop their idea. The name was quickly chosen. "'Redress The Balance' means creating order in chaos. That was our goal with the clothing line."

According to Lotte and Tess, fashion has no gender. Why should it? "It doesn't matter where you come from, what your gender is, or who you love. Everyone is equal." With Redress The Balance, they aim to share that mindset with others. Because every little bit helps: change starts with yourself.

The girls deliberately opted for sustainable items. All their clothing pieces are handmade. "We don't have large stocks, but we can easily reorder. We want to prove that it's truly possible to manufacture and purchase sustainably." They also only use fabrics with the GOTS label, ensuring that the entire production process is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

For the production of their clothing, Redress The Balance has been working with Gildelab Foundation for a long time. Mother Nancy stumbled upon the studio after an online search and immediately felt good about it. That's because Jenny thinks along well. "If we have an idea for, say, a sweater, she discusses it with us. What works, and what doesn't? Then Gildelab creates a sample. Our feedback is truly incorporated. That's very nice." The designs for the prints are created by the sisters themselves and digitally developed by a professional illustrator.

They not only receive advice on the clothing itself but also on the market. And Jenny also tells them if an idea is not feasible. This honesty makes the clothing brand very satisfied with Gildelab. And, importantly, during visits to the studio, there is also plenty of room for fun.

Redress The Balance is not standing still. They recently released an embroidered sweater on the market. They are also currently working on increasing brand awareness. Lotte and Tess hope to reach many more people with their sustainable and gender-neutral clothing. Of course, in collaboration with Gildelab.

www.redressthebalance.nl

A Sustainable Collaboration:

Little Boomerang and Stichting GildeLab Transforming Fashion
for a Better Future



Stichting GildeLab collaborates with brands that are conscious, sustainable, and ethical. Since 2022, GildeLab has been collaborating with Little Boomerang. Little Boomerang transforms men's shirts into children's clothing. This way, unworn shirts are "boomeranged" into unique items. The new collection will go live on March 11. We spoke with owner Marlies Touw about Little Boomerang, the new collection, and the collaboration with GildeLab.


Boomeranging

Little Boomerang was founded in 2017. The idea emerged in response to the ever-growing mountain of discarded clothing in the world. Little Boomerang aims to demonstrate that there is still tremendous potential in this 'old' clothing and to inspire people to see value in what already exists. The idea behind the name is that clothing is initially discarded but ultimately returns in a different form. Thus, they 'boomerang' men's shirts into unique children's items. "I think it's important that we all become aware of how much clothing is thrown away annually," says owner Marlies. "And that something sustainable or upcycled is not inferior to a 'new' item, but actually much more unique and special."

From men's shirt to unique children's item

Little Boomerang creates their new collection 'Classics from the past made into icons of the future' from worn men's shirts. These are often of good quality but no longer wearable due to a worn collar or cuff. All items are unique, and original details are kept intact where possible: for example, the pants' legs are made from the shirt's sleeves and cuffs. The collection is for children up to 6 years old. "Children are a grateful target group," says Marlies. "By wearing the upcycled items, they become more aware of the clothing and materials they wear."

Stichting GildeLab

After a search and a lot of research, Marlies found Stichting GildeLab. "I immediately thought Stichting GildeLab was a great concept. I think it's fantastic that women with a distance from the labor market can learn the trade in a safe environment." The collaboration between Little Boomerang and Stichting GildeLab has since grown into a great partnership. Marlies often visits and enjoys being at Stichting GildeLab. Upcycling shirts sometimes encounters difficulties, so it's nice that she can always come by to follow the process closely.

Unique collaboration

"There are few studios like this in the Netherlands. Stichting GildeLab helps with the entire process. From pattern, to sample, to production." Marlies also enjoys brainstorming with Stichting GildeLab. She has learned a lot through collaboration with Stichting GildeLab. "I now have so much more knowledge about fashion production than when I started." If you are a budding brand with an idea, it truly takes shape at Stichting GildeLab.

Little Boomerang won the 'Crush Award' from the prestigious children's fashion magazine Milk Magazine in Paris this year. Starting from March 11, they are organizing a pop-up store in the Negen Straatjes Amsterdam, and the collection 'Classics from the past made into icons of the future' is available for purchase online at www.littleboomerang.nl.



Kom Langs en geniet van een dag vol creativiteit


28th Januari | 11:00 tot 14:00
Ferdinand Huykstraat 60

GildeLab nodigt u graag uit onze gratis workshop.  Tijdens deze workshop leert u de basisprincipes van naaien en kunt u zelf aan de slag in ons professioele atelier.  Of u nu een ervaren naai-enthousiasteling bent of gewoon een leuke middag wilt beleven, iedereen is welkom om mee te doen.

Meer informatie ︎︎︎

‘Winter Bouw Open’



Welcomes the public to visit the Broedplaats Bouw Studios on Saturday December 10th from 4pm at Ferdinand Huyckstraat 74 in Amsterdam.

The Broedplaats Bouw artists will open their studios to the public. It's a great opportunity to explore a vast array of art and design, see the most recent artwork, talk to artists about their creative process, get inspired by ou community's diverse styles and mediums, make connections, and buy affordable art directly from the artist.

The ’Bouwers’ taking part in this special event include: Aga Lab, Atousa Bandeh, Boro Atelier, Bob Waardenburg, Brigitte de Lange, BYBROWN, Cian-Yu Bai, Clary Stolte, Daan Mars, Floor Knaapen, Gildela, Studio Hagel, Hessel de Ronde, Itamar Gilboa, Iris Box, Josse Pyl Ko Aarts, Logic Locks, Magnus Monfelt, Meike Sier, Marilyn Sonneveld, Marnix Postma, Maureen Nahumury, Natalia Wyspianska, Peim van der Sloot, Roman Zhu, Suat Ogut, Theo Brandsma, Tjitske Oosterholt, Triplets, Zid Theat.

The DJs playing their tunes for you will be DJ Cristel Bell and DJ Urvi. Mexican food & Margaritas by Lupe, Vegan food by ASA Vegan Sushi. Beers by Oedipus.

Free event.