Slow Fashion: Nancy Liu of Arkanex On Why They Are Embracing Slow Fashion and Renewable Consumption

An Interview With Dina Aletras

Sustainable Sourcing. This involves carefully selecting materials and partners that prioritize environmental and social responsibility as well as longevity of the finished products. For instance, Eileen Fisher uses organic cotton, recycled fibers, and natural dyes, and has a take-back program called “Renew” that refurbishes and resells old garments.

As ‘slow fashion’ grows in popularity, more fashion companies are jumping on the bandwagon. Renewable consumption has been gaining popularity for a while, as people recognize its importance, and many fashion companies want to be a part of this change. In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders in the fashion industry to discuss why they are embracing slow fashion and renewable consumption. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Nancy Liu.

Nancy Liu, artistically known as Slance, is the visionary founder of Arkanex Designs, an innovative apparel and holistic living company. After graduating from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, Nancy gained valuable experience during her four years working at Google while concurrently serving as a volunteer firefighter with HCESD48 and Sam Bass FD. Combining her diverse experiences and passion for thoughtful design, Nancy established Arkanex Designs to offer unique, high-quality apparel and lifestyle products that embody her commitment to creativity and holistic living.

Thank you for joining us! To start, can you share a bit about your early background and how it influenced your journey into slow fashion?

I had the privilege of growing up in Houston, TX, where I was an artistically inclined kid with a love for creative arts, human-centered design, and competitive sports. I often leaned on my creativity as a means of connecting with others — whether it was sharing drawings or creating promposal posters to earn some extra income for fun activities.

My mother, who enjoyed dressing fashionably and curating photograph books, played a significant role in shaping my appreciation for personal style. Flipping through those memories, I realized how fashion can be a powerful means of self-expression and communication.

Understanding how fashion can reflect personal style and influence how we navigate the world left a lasting impression on me. This realization inspired my journey into designing original and sustainable pieces that tell a story. After graduating from business school at UT Austin, I worked in tech and tabled the idea of starting my own small business until I saved up enough to launch my venture.

What inspired you to pursue a career in slow fashion, and can you share the story behind your decision?

After leaving Google, I decided to pivot and start my own business. Product design had always intrigued me, and slow fashion design provided a means to incorporate original artwork into the process while sharing my visions with the world. I realized I would enjoy creating things that could last and become cherished additions to others’ wardrobes, ideally considered special and enduring. One of my goals is to continue learning and improving everything I create to meet this standard.

I have always had an eye for design and a knack for envisioning how things could be made better. I also believe that sustainability and thoughtful use of resources are important. When visiting various manufacturers before deciding on the team I would work with, I noticed a lot of high-quality fabrics just sitting in these warehouses collecting dust. I realized that if I could implement my artwork onto natural materials that also feel comfortable to wear repeatedly, it could be a win-win scenario.

Who is your fashion hero or heroine, and why do they inspire you?

I’m not sure I have a particular fashion hero — I admire anyone who confidently expresses their personal style. However, if I had to choose someone whose style and bold, creative expression I enjoy, it would be Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm). I love how he openly crafts and shares his visions and inspirations, inspiring others to do the same. Finding what resonates with you at your core can be so challenging in a world often bombarded with fleeting trends and fears of judgment. Whether through personal style or material creations influenced by one’s journey, it’s incredibly important to stay true to yourself and embrace what resonates best with you and your experiences.

What’s the most intriguing or memorable experience you’ve had since starting your career in slow fashion?

It would have to be witnessing the very first item ‘Vertebrae,’ being printed and testing the reflective ink quality with our phone flashlights — knowing that I had drawn many iterations on my iPad and made several train trips to my manufacturers in order to bring the artwork to life was a joyful moment to experience.

As a successful leader in the industry, which three character traits have been key to your success? Can you provide a story or example for each?

1. Self-Belief. After leaving my 9-to-5 job, I found that self-belief was non-negotiable, especially when I had no tangible evidence of the feasibility of my ideas. I had to accept that having a constantly evolving vision was okay and decide that it was still worth pursuing. For instance, when I first launched my business, there were countless moments of uncertainty, but my self-belief propelled me forward.
2. Persistence. Persistence in the face of discouraging moments is essential. There were many times I felt lost navigating the new landscape, especially coming from an IT background. For example, during the early stages of my business, I encountered numerous setbacks in production, shipping delays, and marketing. However, my determination to keep learning from the process kept me pushing through each obstacle, ultimately leading to breakthroughs and new opportunities.
3. Thoughtfulness. Thoughtfulness permeates every aspect of my design process. Questions like “Does the placement of this graphic make sense?” and “Would others actually want to wear this?” guide my decisions. Personal style is closely tied to one’s identity, and thoughtful design encompasses every step, from fabric selection and artwork creation to sizing and labeling. For example, I meticulously consider the wearer’s perspective, ensuring that each piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and meaningful.

How does your company embody and implement the principles of slow fashion, and what motivated you to adopt this approach?

At Arkanex, we embody the principles of slow fashion by advocating for mindful consumption and emphasizing quality over quantity. We strive to create high-quality, durable products that stand the test of time, using sustainable materials. This commitment ensures that each piece is not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

Our design process is inherently slow and deliberate. Every piece is hand-drawn by me, and we take the time needed to perfect each design. We produce in small batches to minimize overproduction and reduce waste. Additionally, we creatively repurpose fabric scraps throughout our production process, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

We aim to design versatile clothing that can be styled in multiple ways and worn in various settings. This versatility enhances the longevity of our pieces in our customers’ wardrobes. We also actively seek collaborations with like-minded brands, artisans, and organizations to promote and expand the reach of slow fashion principles.

What measures does your company take to ensure the sustainability and ethical integrity of your supply chain and production processes?

To ensure our commitment to sustainability, I personally took proactive steps by flying abroad and making multiple visits to our manufacturers. These trips allowed me to verify firsthand that they adhered to environmentally friendly and ethical production practices.

During these visits, I observed our manufacturing team utilizing fabric scraps creatively, such as using fabric strips for bundling packages, setting aside unused materials for future orders, and repurposing “failed” products as display samples. Additionally, I was impressed by the respectful treatment of all staff members, which reinforced my confidence in their ethical standards.

Recognizing the importance of these practices, I have since instituted a personal rule to vet all future business partners to ensure they uphold similar standards of ethical labor and sustainability. This commitment ensures that our supply chain and production processes align with our core values and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

Can you tell us about the materials you use in your products and how you ensure they are sourced sustainably?

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the careful selection of materials for our products. We offer a 100% cotton apparel line, ensuring that the cotton we use is organically grown and sourced from suppliers with eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, we produce adjustable heatable pillows filled with sustainably harvested mugwort.

We rigorously vet our suppliers, in person, to confirm they adhere to environmentally responsible practices and ethical labor standards. This thorough vetting process allows us to maintain transparency and integrity in our supply chain, ensuring that our materials are not only high-quality but also ethically produced.

Could you share some examples of how your company’s practices have benefited local communities or the environment?

Our company is deeply committed to benefiting local communities and the environment through various sustainable and ethical practices. We actively offer opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and artisans, providing fair wages and preserving traditional craftsmanship, which stimulates local economies. Additionally, we prioritize eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton and water-saving printing techniques, significantly reducing our environmental footprint.

We engage with the community by partnering with event producers who share our values. For example, we recently participated in the New Faces of Pride festival in Houston on June 22nd. At this event, we operated a vendor booth to share our knowledge about wearable art and sustainable fashion, engage with festival-goers, and foster community ties. This approach allows us to promote awareness and appreciation for sustainable practices while celebrating creativity, diversity, and inclusivity.

What initiatives are you undertaking to educate consumers about the significance of slow fashion and sustainable consumption?

To educate our consumers, we implement comprehensive social media campaigns that share information, stories, and facts about sustainability and slow fashion. We post behind-the-scenes videos to provide transparency into our supply chain practices, ensuring that consumers are fully aware of the origins of their products. Our newsletters also feature insightful articles on the importance of sustainable consumption, along with updates on our latest product selections.

Furthermore, we provide detailed care instructions on product labels, emphasizing the timelessness and artistic value of our pieces. By doing so, we encourage consumers to view our products as long-term investments, fostering a deeper appreciation for slow fashion, original artwork, and sustainable living.

What are three essential things everyone should understand about slow fashion?

1. Quality over quantity. Slow fashion simply emphasizes choosing quality over quantity, and it is a conscious decision any of us can make through our purchasing habits. A framework I enjoy using before buying a new item is asking myself, “Can I see myself wearing this 30 times?” This mindset encourages investing in more durable, timeless pieces over trend-driven items.
2. Mindful consumption. Encouraging consumers to pause and consider the lifecycle of a garment — from its production to its disposal — and make choices that minimize negative impacts. By shifting to mindful consumption, we can reduce waste, promote a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry, and spend primarily on what we need and truly love.
3. Sustainable consumer mindsets. Understanding the original intent behind luxury brands can help shift our consumption mindsets. Many luxury brands were initially designed for durability and longevity, such as those that started as luggage makers intending their products to last a lifetime. Recognizing this can inspire a return to valuing quality and sustainability over over-consumption.

Thank you for all that insight. Now, let’s dive into the core of our interview: What are the “5 Key Elements to Leading a Successful Slow Fashion Brand”? Please provide a story or example for each.

1. Commitment to Quality. Ensuring that each product is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship is essential. For example, Patagonia dedicates significant resources to ensuring the longevity of their products. Their “Worn Wear” program exemplifies this commitment by offering repairs and refurbishments for old Patagonia gear, extending the life of their products and reducing waste.
2. Sustainable Sourcing. This involves carefully selecting materials and partners that prioritize environmental and social responsibility as well as longevity of the finished products. For instance, Eileen Fisher uses organic cotton, recycled fibers, and natural dyes, and has a take-back program called “Renew” that refurbishes and resells old garments.
3. Transparent Practices. Transparency and being open about the supply chain, production processes, and business practices fosters trust with consumers. A brand might provide information on their website or social media about how their products are made and the working conditions of their employees. For example, a brand could share videos and stories from their factories, showing the ethical treatment of workers and the sustainable methods used in production.
4. Thoughtful Design. Thoughtful design focuses on creating pieces that are versatile, timeless, and designed to be worn for many years. This means avoiding fast fashion trends and instead producing classic items that remain stylish over time. An example could be a brand that designs a multi-functional dress that can be worn in various ways, making it suitable for different occasions and seasons, thereby extending its usefulness and appeal.
5. Community Engagement. Engaging with the community helps foster a deeper connection between the brand and its consumers. This can involve hosting workshops, participating in local events, or collaborating with other like-minded businesses seeking win-win partnerships. For instance, a brand might partner with a local event like the New Faces of Pride festival in Houston to share knowledge about sustainable fashion while supporting LGBTQIA+ efforts, engage directly with the community via a vendor booth, and promote the principles of slow fashion and wearable art.

Do you have a favorite quote that has influenced your life? Can you share a story that illustrates its relevance to you?

One quote that has profoundly influenced my life is by Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Angelou’s words inspire me to live life fully and with a vibrant spirit, embracing my personal passions and sharing them with the world in my unique way.

A particular instance that illustrates the relevance of this quote in my life occurred when I decided to become a volunteer firefighter, leading to some of my proudest and most memorable experiences. Another example is when I left my stable job to start my own business and share my art. The decision was daunting, filled with uncertainties and challenges.

This quote reminds me that life ought to be about more than just getting by; it’s about thriving with enthusiasm and grace despite any hardships. The journey hasn’t been easy, but remembering to thrive rather than merely survive has kept me motivated and resilient.

With your considerable influence, if you could start a movement to make a significant positive impact, what would it be?

If I could start a movement to make a significant positive impact, it would be for climate change. This movement would focus on accelerating the transition to renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Key components would include advocating for policies that provide financial incentives for clean energy adoption, developing community solar projects to make renewable energy more accessible, and implementing programs to reduce single-use plastics.

The initiative would also prioritize education and awareness, launching comprehensive campaigns to inform the public about the impacts of climate change and the importance of sustainable living. We would empower young people to become environmental leaders through educational programs and advocacy opportunities. Additionally, the initiative would support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices that reduce carbon emissions and enhance soil health.

Collaboration would be at the heart of this movement, facilitating partnerships between governments, corporations, and non-profits to fund and implement large-scale sustainability projects. We would advocate for strong climate legislation that sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and invest in research and development of cutting-edge green technologies to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Alternatively, another human relationship-centered idea would be a book-sharing movement, where physical books with personal notes are left in public spaces for people to read and pass on, creating opportunities to share stories and connect offline through good reads.

How can our readers stay updated with your work online?

Follow us @arkanexdesigns and sign up for our newsletter via www.arkanex.net for updates. We are actively seeking wholesalers. For business inquiries and collaborations, please contact us at contact@arkanex.net.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.

Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.