We experience tough times. Just when we think to have the pandemic under control after many months, parts of North America are suffocating in a heatwave and Central Europe is drowning in the floods of its rivers. Even the most ignorant should now acknowledge that climate change is not a fiction of young people, but that’s already high noon. Nevertheless, after months of hardship, we want to enjoy our life again, have fun, meet friends, do sports, etc. Of course, this also gives us the opportunity to present our favorite styles to the public again. But shouldn’t we do this with the awareness that fashion also has a serious impact on our environment? It would be fiction to believe that we have already achieved a lot. In truth, we are still at the very beginning. Fortunately, there are pioneers in the market who show us – and the fashion industry – how the production of sensational fashion items can be reconciled with environmental protection and fairness towards other people. One of these brands is MANDALA.
YOGA – A CONSCIOUS LIFESTYLE
To sharpen our conciseness on all levels and gain the energy that we need to make the world a better place, yoga is a good start.
MANDALA is particularly popular among yogis. Not only because of their special yoga training outfits but also their lounge and dancewear. MANDALA’s maternity outfits are also very popular. All pieces have in common that they combine a high level of comfort with an amazing look and the best functionality.
THE BEGINNING OF MANDALA
Nathalie Prieger grew up in Iran. Due to her roots, foreign cultures, a great sense of aesthetics, and a love of fashion have always played a big role in her life.
At the age of 14, she sewed her first outfits and finally turned her passion into a profession with a degree as a designer at the ESMOD fashion school in Paris.
Then, Nathalie worked for various German labels. However, people with a unique vision must go their own way. Thus, she founded the sustainable yoga label MANDALA in 2001.
ECO MEETS FAIR
Because of her instinct for trends, Nathalie was the first to bring eco-fair yoga fashion to Germany over 15 years ago.
She is now considered a pioneer in the fair fashion industry.
From the beginning, sustainability and eco-materials were the cornerstones of her yoga line. Today every MANDALA style combines urban trends with a sustainable value chain and fair production.
MANDALA focuses on people and nature. Therefore, each collection is made exclusively from natural or recycled raw materials that have been grown in a particularly resource-saving and ecological manner.
MANDALA COLORFUL AND TRANSPARENT
Nathalie is always looking for innovative materials and processes that are even more sustainable.
In doing so, she tries to keep the MANDALA supply chain as transparent as possible. It also ensures that everyone involved in production receives a fair wage and is socially secure.
The production takes place in Turkey and MANDALA’s textile factory in Shanghai. According to MANDALA, Fair pay, appreciation for workers, and appropriate working conditions have absolute priorities there.
MANDALA LOVES BIO-FABRICS
For MANDALA, sustainability and the ecological use of our earth’s resources should not be anything special but rather a standard. Therefore, the brand makes all products from particularly sustainable natural fibers or recycled materials. Therefore, a conscious and respectful treatment of our nature is an affair of the heart for MANDALA.
BIO COTTON
Cotton is a very robust natural fiber that feels soft on the skin. It is particularly breathable, elastic, and supports the natural function of the skin. MANDALA only uses organic cotton that is GOTS or Textile Exchange certified. Organic cotton does not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides and thus protects the environment.
BIO-BASED POLYAMIDE
MANDALA also uses bio-based polyamide. It’s made from the renewable raw material of the castor plant. Therefore, the fabric is a sustainable and innovative alternative to conventional polyester.
This fabric also impresses through its high-performance properties: 4-way stretch, quick-dry, and memory Shape are just three of them. The patented production is particularly water-saving and environmentally friendly.
LYOCELL / TENCEL®
Lyocell (Tencel®) is a cellulose fiber obtained from the raw material wood. The production is water-saving and very environmentally friendly. The material is more absorbent than cotton, gentler than silk, and cooler than linen. Lyocell supports an optimal skin climate. Besides, thanks to perfect moisture management it’s very hygienic.
RECYCLED POLYESTER
MANDALA uses recycled polyester from old plastic bottles. This upcycling is good for the environment and conserves crude oil as a resource. The styles made from recycled polyester are for sustainable activewear. They are quick-dry, have 4-way stretch, and are very gentle on the skin.
MODAL
MANDALA’s modal is comes from Austrian beech wood. It’s biodegradable. The CO2-neutral production saves energy and resources.
The material has a silky sheen and a soft feel. It is very elastic and breathable and therefore ideally suited for sportswear.
MANDALA SUPPORTS WOMEN
In particular, women are involved in the production of clothing. Often, companies exploit them. Thus, fair treatment and independence of all women are of particular importance to MANDALA. Nathalie also continues this philosophy at the German headquarters. Her team currently consists exclusively of women.
Flexible working hours and part-time offers allow all employees to optimally bring their job with their current life situation in line. Respectful cooperation and a pronounced feedback culture are a matter of course.
LOOK GREAT – FEEL GREAT – PRACTICE GREAT
Trends from all over the world inspire MANDALA founder Nathalie for her collections. Each of them offers sporty high-performance styles and comfortable leisurewear. Both are also ideal in everyday life.
Of course, not only fashion trends play a role. The brand also integrates innovations in the form of new fabrics and finishes. MANDALA’s yoga fashion celebrates femininity and gives every woman a feminine, fashionable look. So, she can feel good and practice yoga in a modern way.
Hence, sharpen your consciousness and find the latest styles in MANDALA’s online shop.
Text: © Marco Kokkot
