Kordal Studio: Embracing Natural Beauty

By Olivia Cigliano

Mandy Kordal’s namesake brand is based in Brooklyn, New York, and specializes in natural apparel and knitwear. Kordal Studio centers ethics and sustainability in their manufacturing practices and, as the brand philosophy suggests, the aesthetic of Kordal’s designs is natural, feminine, and effortless. Each piece functions both as a basic and a statement, adding intrigue to comfortable daywear. 

Check out our conversation with the designer on how Kordal thinks green, the origins of their signature knitwear, how they’re adapting to the changing world, and more. 

What kind of customer wears Kordal Studio? 

People from all walks of life wear Kordal Studio. One of our main goals is to be approachable and to create clothing that encourages comfort and ease; enhancing the unique and honest beauty in each and every one of us. 

How has Kordal Studio grown since its founding in 2012? What are you most proud of so far?

A: It's grown in many different ways, from machine knitting all of my samples by hand in my studio apartment to opening our first storefront this past November. I'm most proud of how we've been able to grow while still holding true to our ethics and values. Being able to grow slowly, thoughtfully, and with intention. 

Where did the inspiration for Kordal’s signature sustainable knitwear come from?

I've always loved textiles and it was knitting and crochet that captured my attention first. After a few years of working in the fashion industry, I found myself in between jobs and looking for a new path. I ended up buying a used knitting machine on eBay and began teaching myself how to make swatches with various techniques, followed by finished garments, and over the course of a few months, an entire collection emerged. 

What makes Kordal Studio a sustainable brand? What’s unique about the brand’s production?

Kordal Studio’s mission is to create garments in an ethical manner by paying our workers a fair wage, designing garments that are not trend-focused, and using natural, organic, or recycled textiles. All our materials are chosen with care. We utilize natural fibers, meaning they are plant or animal-based instead of synthetic, and stay away from harsh chemicals and toxins. We also seek out textiles that are certified under leading standards with social and environmental criteria, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). By emphasizing natural and ethical, we are standing behind renewable resources, which do not contribute to environmental degradation or human harm. Our yarns and fabrics are sourced from top quality mills in Guatemala, Peru, and Japan. Our mission is to keep the materials and corresponding production as local as possible. By removing unnecessary shipping in the manufacturing process, we are reducing our carbon footprint, working to provide jobs in the local communities, and building long term relationships with suppliers and artisans.

Tell me about the Lived In Collection! Was it designed with “quarantine” in mind? Is this related to the Lived In series on your blog?

Our love for our customers was a driving force behind the development of our Lived In Series, a journal series that highlights the people in our lives that inspire with their drive, talent, and their genuine sense of self. This series led us to also create the Lived In Collection: a collection of five items that are the tried and true staples of our brand. We always go for the cozy, comfortable pieces, and I think that's what our customers tend to purchase from us as well! They weren't designed with quarantine in mind but they've definitely been providing me some much-needed comfort during this time! 

Why do you think it’s important for brands to be transparent about their ethics with consumers?

Because we're running out of time, we're aware of the repercussions and there isn't room for endless growth. Collectively, we need to be holding each other accountable so we have a safe and healthy planet to leave for future generations, and this isn't limited to the fashion industry, this applies to all industries. 

How can designers encourage other members of the community to adopt sustainable and ethical practices?

This is a hard one because I think most people would love to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, but we have to remember that it's a privilege to spend a little bit more money on organic food or sustainable fashion. There are options like resale sites or CSA food programs but those require more time and patience, which are scarce if you're a single mom working two jobs for example. Rather than putting all of this pressure on the consumer, I'd say let's push for more widespread systemic changes. I'd encourage designers to create solutions that are more accessible, inclusive, and give large corporations some much-needed competition.

Do you have a favorite design from the past year you’d like to highlight?

Ooh, that's a tough one. I'm torn between our Alva Pant in Clove and the Nouri Jumpsuit in Blush. Both are made with such brilliant materials and I'm just so happy with how they turned out! The Alva pants are made from an organic handwoven cotton that's grown in Guatemala, the incredible thing about this cotton is that it is naturally color grown! Meaning the Clove brown isn't dyed! And the Nouri Jumpsuit is made from a Raw Silk naturally dyed using leftover avocado pits and skins to create that beautiful blush pink color. So so cool. 

How is your business adapting to the state of the world right now? 

We're doing our best to stay positive and keep things moving forward, but it's also been extremely challenging. We've officially opted out of doing the wholesale market this Fall, we're focused on growing our online store and brick & mortar shop. We've mainly taken this time to pause, move a little bit more slowly and figure out our next steps. 

Kordal Studio Community Face Masks made from upcycled textiles and compostable

Do you have plans to lean more into the digital world like many others in the community? Will you show collections digitally?

Yes, we're working to develop our online store further, with more fit guides, try-ons, etc. We have some other exciting things in the works which will be replacing our twice per year trade show collections. It's still in the development phase but will be rolling out this Fall!

What’s next for Kordal Studio?

Being gentle to ourselves and others, taking time to process these past six months and what it means for our company, and hopefully move forward with a stronger focus.

Shop the designs at www.kordalstudio.com and follow Kordal on Facebook and Instagram.