Creating Clothes You’ll Want to Keep for Years | Aiguille & Ito – Compassion #2: A Respectful Working Environment

The reflections I shared in my previous post on “Compassion #1” do not end there.

Today, I would like to talk about the second aspect of this philosophy: compassion for the workplace.

At Aiguille & Ito, I hope to prioritize fabrics produced in France whenever possible.

One reason is to support local employment and the French economy.

But there is another reason why I care so deeply about Made in France.

It is because French workers are able to do their jobs within a framework that protects their rights and well-being.

The workshop I plan to work with is, of course, the one where I am currently employed.

I care deeply about preserving this workshop.

But if I am completely honest, what I truly want to protect is not the workshop itself, but the environment that allows people to work with dignity, security, and peace of mind.

The workshop where I work is an Adapted Enterprise, where approximately 65% of the employees are people living with disabilities.

Artisans with and without disabilities work side by side, sharing their skills and contributing to the creation of each garment.

That is why I want to create clothing that helps preserve this environment while reducing, as much as possible, the physical and mental strain placed on the people who make it.

When work exists, jobs are protected.

When jobs are protected, craftsmanship can be passed on to future generations.

Supporting that cycle is, in my view, one of the responsibilities of a brand.

This philosophy is also reflected in the design approach of Aiguille & Ito.

I aim to create simple, minimalist garments.

Rather than relying on excessive decoration or unnecessarily complex construction, I focus on the beauty of thoughtful details.

I choose materials that are pleasant to sew and design garments with details that do not place an unreasonable technical burden on the artisans who make them.

This is the kind of clothing I wish to create.

I also plan to establish a fixed monthly production quantity and avoid large fluctuations in manufacturing volume.

This allows the workshop to plan its work more effectively, reducing deadline pressure and limiting excessive overtime.

For this reason, Aiguille & Ito does not intend to operate through a conventional online sales model, where demand can fluctuate dramatically.

At present, the sales channels being considered include department stores and independently owned boutiques.

In the future, I would also like to build relationships with select shops and vintage stores.

Vintage stores, in particular, are places I hope to collaborate with, even if it is only one shop.

They represent values that are very close to my own: caring for garments and giving them a long life.

Today, I wanted to share my thoughts on compassion for the workplace.

By now, you may have noticed a common thread running through these ideas.

At Aiguille & Ito, I hope to create clothing that becomes, in its own small way, a form of social contribution.

Reducing someone’s burden.

Protecting someone’s job.

Helping preserve craftsmanship for the future.

These are the intentions woven into every garment we create.

Next time, I would like to share my thoughts on compassion in the choice of materials.

Curious about Compassion #1? You can read it here ▼


Aiguille & Ito, the brand I am creating, is gradually taking shape as I prepare for its launch.

The project is still in its early stages, but each step is being built with care and intention. My hope is that one day, the values, reflections, and universe I share here will come to life through the clothes I create.

As this journey unfolds, I would love to continue sharing its behind-the-scenes moments with you, along with the thoughts, inspirations, and discoveries that guide me along the way.

When the brand officially launches, I also look forward to sharing its growth in real time through Instagram Lives and other opportunities to connect and exchange with you.

At the moment, my goal is to reach 1,000 followers on Instagram.

If my universe resonates with you, a simple like, follow, or share would mean the world to me and would be a wonderful encouragement as I continue this adventure.

https://lit.link/en/aiguilleito