Sustainable Style from Margaret Burton Inc.

Have you found yourself questioning the ethics of fast fashion?

There are so many clothes. Where do they all come from, and equally importantly, where do they all go?!

One time wear items have become WAY TOO POPULAR.

Well, you can help slow this fashion pandemic by being intentional with your clothing purchases, thrifting, and using what we already have.

That’s where Margaret Burton Inc. can help you. Margaret created a way to use what has already been made, and make it into something completely unique, completely recycled, and completely YOU! They are a zero waste company focused on using what has already been made. Their slogan is A Better Way to Shop.

I asked Margaret a few questions about how she got started. She is an excellent seamstress! And you can read even more about her story, here.

What is your background in fashion / sewing?

I was into fashion but only in the sense that I had worn a school uniform 1-12th grade so I loved to buy clothes in highschool but I didn’t pay any attention to fashion designers. Until I was a freshman in college visiting a boyfriend who lived in NYC and saw the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET. I was an art major at the time and walked away thinking fashion design was, everything. It combined painting and drawing in textile design, performance art, photography, videography, everything. So I went back to Cleveland Institute of Art and tried to incorporate sewing and pattern making into my projects. My mom was the first to teach me. She is a first generation American and made clothes for her 11 family members. But there was only so much I could teach myself so my sophomore year I switched to Pratt Institute for fashion design and moved to NYC.

What does sustainability mean for Margaret Burton Inc. ?

Sustainability means creating a closed loop for the fashion industry. I believe there is enough material that has already been made. No need to grow more cotton, use more water, dye fabric etc…There is enough second hand material to create new pieces. With the fashion industry being the second largest polluter to the earth we need to design solutions to lessen the impact and we are one of them.

What would be your best piece of advice to someone who wants to learn to sew?

Have a seam ripper, a lot of patience, and persistence.

What is your favorite made-to-order piece to construct?

Our shirts are my favorite. I love taking something like a t-shirt and giving it structure and giving it an elevated look.

I purchased two Margaret Burton t-shirts for myself and I love them. I sent Margaret some of my favorite t-shirts from over the years that just sat in my drawer. Now I can enjoy them all at the same time and they get used almost weekly!

You can purchase t-shirts in any color or send her your own, here! For reference, I’m wearing the feminine fit in a size small. The classic white tee is next on my list!